Must win hearts, not just battles: Rajnath to army

Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who carried out a security review of the situation along the Line of Control on Wednesday, underlined the need for “professional conduct and due diligence” while carrying out counterterror operations, and said it was a soldier’s duty not only to safeguard national interests but also “win the hearts of people”.

- Ravi Krishnan Khajuria

Interacting with soldiers in Rajouri, Singh asked them to stay extra vigilant so that no untoward incident occurs in future, reiterating that there should be zero-tolerance towards terrorism. At the same time, he also urged commanders on the ground to have zero-tolerance for violations of well-established standard operating procedures.

His visit to the sensitive sector came days after four soldiers were killed in an ambush on December 21, and the custodial death of three civilians in an army camp the following day.

“The Indian Army is not an ordinary army. The soldiers are our protectors. It is their duty to not only safeguard national interests, but also to win the hearts of the people,” he said.

“You all are the saviours of this nation, but I would also like to especially urge you that winning hearts of countrymen is also a big responsibility on your shoulders — just like winning battles and winning the fight against terrorism. I know you keep striving for it. But it is possible that there may be a mistake, but such a mistake should not hurt any Indian citizen.”

The visit is significant as the area has been tense following the December 21 ambush at Dhatyar Morh in Surankote, and the custodial killings in a 48 Rashtriya Rifles camp.

The army is facing a backlash against the custodial deaths.