The Prime Minister must always be mindful of the implications of his words and declarations on our Nation’s security as also strategic and territorial interests, former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said on Monday.
“We call upon the PM and Govt to rise to the occasion, to ensure justice for Col. B. Santosh Babu and our jawans who have made ultimate sacrifice and resolutely defended our territorial integrity. To do any less would be a historic betrayal of the people’s faith,” Dr Singh said in a statement.
Singh’s statements came after 20 Indian soldiers were killed by Chinese PLA troops in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15 and subsequent remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.
“This is a moment where we must stand together as a nation and be united in our response to this brazen threat,” Singh said.
The Prime Minister cannot allow them to use his words as a vindication of their position and must ensure that all organs of the government work together to tackle this crisis and prevent it from escalating further, added the former Prime Minister.
“We cannot and will not be cowed down by threats and intimidation nor permit a com-promise with our territorial integrity,” he said.
Our Government’s decisions and actions will have serious bearings on how the future generations perceive us. Those who lead us bear the weight of a solemn duty, Singh pointed out.
“We lost twenty brave soldiers in the Galwan Valley. They laid down their lives in the ultimate act of sacrifice, valour and duty to our country. Our brave hearts defended the motherland till their last breath and for that we owe them, and their families, our eternal gratitude. However, their sacrifice cannot be allowed to be in vain,” he said.