Must win hearts, not just battles: Rajnath to army
Hindustan Times|December 28, 2023
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
Must win hearts, not just battles: Rajnath to army

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.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HINDUSTAN TIMESView all
Aamir still keen on Gulshan Kumar biopic despite delays, says Bhushan Kumar
Hindustan Times

Aamir still keen on Gulshan Kumar biopic despite delays, says Bhushan Kumar

Aamir sir always tells me, 'It's the best script I've ever read in recent times, jo mujhe karni hi karni hai.

time-read
1 min  |
November 15, 2024
Hindustan Times

Blackstone eyes 20% stake in Haldiram's for $8 bn

Blackstone has dropped plans to acquire a majority stake in the snacks business of India's Haldiram's but is now discussing purchase of a 20% stake at a valuation of $8 billion, which is still a sticking point, sources told Reuters on Thursday.

time-read
1 min  |
November 15, 2024
Hindustan Times

INDIA'S ECONOMY IS WITHSTANDING GLOBAL RISKS: DAS

The Indian economy is \"sailing through smoothly,\" even as global growth faces accelerating risks ranging from geopolitical tensions to climate change, according to the country's central bank governor.

time-read
1 min  |
November 15, 2024
Hindustan Times

Kane irked by England Nations League pull outs

Harry Kane says he is disappointed by the high number of withdrawals from the England squad this week, insisting the national team must come first.

time-read
1 min  |
November 15, 2024
Hindustan Times

CARLSEN TAKES SOLE LEAD AFTER WINNING SPREE IN TATA CHESS INDIA

Round 5 of Rapid category began with handshakes around the tables and the supervisors asking the live audience to put their phones on silent mode.

time-read
1 min  |
November 15, 2024
Hindustan Times

Ministry objects to ex-office bearer becoming TTFI CEO

SPORTS MINISTRY IN A CIRCULAR TO NSFS AND IOA IN 2022, SAID THAT INELIGIBLE OFFICE BEARERS RETURNING AS CEO OF FEDERATION IS AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF THE GUIDELINES OF THE SPORTS CODE.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 15, 2024
Necklace linked to Marie Antoinette sells for $4.8mn
Hindustan Times

Necklace linked to Marie Antoinette sells for $4.8mn

A diamond-studded necklace thought to be linked to a scandal that hastened the downfall of the doomed 18th century queen of France, Marie Antoinette, sold at auction, in Geneva, on Wednesday, for 4.26 million Swiss francs ($4.81 million).

time-read
1 min  |
November 15, 2024
Hindustan Times

₹$6.7tn climate funding needed yearly by '30'

Global climate investment needs are projected to reach $6.3-6.7 trillion annually by 2030, with emerging economies requiring nearly half the funding, according to a new report by the Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance, which called on the ongoing climate conference to deliver on a commitment to deliver at least a trillion dollars every year by 2030.

time-read
1 min  |
November 15, 2024
Hindustan Times

Support for Ukraine is key to US security, Biden urges Trump

President Joe Biden told President-elect Donald Trump that supporting Ukraine was crucial for American national security, underlining that a strong Europe capable of deterring aggressors would prevent the US from being pulled into continental conflicts, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 15, 2024
Hindustan Times

Speaking to the State for citizens

The Supreme Court's order on demolitions is a welcome reminder to the executive to function as a custodian of constitutional values

time-read
2 mins  |
November 15, 2024