In the aftermath of three civilian deaths in Poonch, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh visited troops and acknowledged their role in protecting the nation while also emphasizing the importance of winning civilian hearts. He acknowledged the incident as a “mistake” and stressed that such occurrences, “which may hurt any citizen of the country,” should not happen.
Singh’s statement comes amid public outrage following the deaths, which allegedly occurred after security forces detained the civilians for questioning in connection with a recent terrorist attack. While the Jammu and Kashmir administration has promised compensation and investigations, the incident has raised concerns about the balance between security measures and civilian well-being.
The Defense Minister’s visit served as a reminder to troops that their duty extends beyond securing the nation. He urged them to prioritize “winning the hearts of the people” alongside their efforts to combat terrorism. He acknowledged the army’s strength and capabilities but emphasized the importance of earning public trust and avoiding actions that could alienate civilians.
