Mangaluru: Warning Pakistan against helping terrorists, Union home minister, Rajnath Singh claimed here on Saturday that India had carried out not two but three counter strikes across the border in the last five years.
Mr Singh, who was in Mangaluru to attend a cluster meeting of his party and an intellectuals' meet, however, refused to give details about the third strike.
“All of you know about the two strikes (retaliation for Uri and Pulwama). I will not reveal the third one,” he said. The minister added that the strike at Balakot by the Indian Air Force was a targeted mission based on credible intelligence input.
“Our fighters, which entered Pakistan border completed their task and returned. We did not do anything to the Pakistan military or to the civilians there, but only targeted their terror units. Pakistan is our neighbour and steps were taken to ensure that the civilians were not hurt. Atalji used to say that in life friends may change, but not neighbours,” he said to laughter in the hall.
While observing that there was a problem in Jammu and Kashmir due to Pakistan, he contended that every problem had a solution and there would be one for this too. “India is dedicated to taking steps against terrorism,” he declared.
Mr Singh revealed his ministry had sent am advisory to all the states to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students and asked for the people's cooperation to ensure their safety. “Kasmiri students may be here too. They are like your children. Ensure their safety,” he said.
Terming the recent invitation by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to India to its summit as a diplomatic success, he noted that, “Despite opposition from Pakistan we were invited for the first time as a guest of honour.”
