Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh. File photo

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 1

Reacting strongly to the reported mutilation of two soldiers by Pakistan Army following a ceasefire violation in Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Monday urged the Central Government to give a free hand to the Army to deal with such atrocities and barbaric acts.He also backed the Indian Army’s warning of “appropriate response” for the “despicable act.”In a similar vein, Amarinder also came down heavily on those criticising the Indian Army’s action of tying a man to a jeep to protect its soldiers from stone-pelters during the recent elections in Kashmir.Coming out in defence of Major Gagoi, under criticism from various quarters over his ‘human shield’ action, Capt Amarinder said the officer was simply doing his duty.In a Facebook post, the Chief Minister further said, “Had I been in the same situation I would have carried out the same action.”