Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 29

Surgical strike is a demonstration of power and showing capability of going across the border, said Major General Amarjit Singh (retd.), who was at Panjab University to deliver a lecture on Saturday.

The Department of Defence and National Security Studies celebrated the Surgical Strike Day in collaboration with the NCC Army Wing. A special lecture on the “Role of Armed Forces in Nation Building” was delivered.

Singh, while speaking to The Tribune, said: “It is very low of the political parties to start a debacle over the surgical strike. It is certainly because one party is at loggerheads with another party. They are biased to protect the political standpoint.”

He said: “We need to respect Army personnel for showing strength to the enemy. Pakistan will not change and India has already confronted in the UN. When you cross border, some of us lose a leg or an arm. The esteem of an Army officer is questioned when controversy over surgical strike sparks. We should hence celebrate this day proudly.”

Singh started his lecture by giving a historical perspective on how India as a nation has dealt with the aspect of nation building which entails managing security as well as pursuing economic progress.

He highlighted the requirement to keep both the Armed Forces and the Central Armed Police Forces separate as they have their own specific roles and responsibilities.

A chronological overview of various operations conducted by the Indian Armed Forces in the post-independence history of India as well as the tasks performed in an aid to civil authorities was given.

He explained the importance of surgical strike and how it was perceived worldwide by quoting the examples of Israel and Russia.

Seminar on surgical strike

Kharar: A seminar on Surgical Strike was conducted at Doaba Group of Colleges, Mohali. The main speakers were DGC Administrator Capt SS Kalmotia (retd.) and Principal of Doaba Polytechnic College, Col CS Dhillon (retd.).

Capt Kalmotia explained the essence of surgical strike and its relevance in the military operations. He also reviewed the history of India – Pakistan conflicts and highlighted the commendable successes of the Indian Armed Forces.

Col CS Dhillon emphasised the extent of planning and training required for surgical strike. He also shared his own experience in the Army, life as a soldier, various incidents, events, strategies etc.

He motivated the young students to join the Army and serve the country.

The seminar was attended by the directors and principals of constituent institutes of the DGC, faculty and students. — OC