(Re-opens DEL 32)

Meanwhile, the defence minister said Pakistan is alsosuffering from the consequences of the terrorism it fostered,saying their "soldiers should kill terrorists so thatterrorism is rooted out". Parrikar said Pakistan did not have the strength tofight and "only tries to inflict minor wounds". "Our soldiers are fighting back to ensure that the enemydoes not succeed in its evil designs. The soldiers and theArmy have been given more powers to tackle the enemy as thesituation warrants. We have given them good weapons to protectthemselves and ensure the safety of the country. Greateremphasis is being laid on manufacturing weapons in the countryinstead of importing them," he said. Parrikar said an announcement regarding opening an Armyrecruitment office in Rewari would be made only afterobtaining the necessary information and ensuring that therewas no legal obstacle. The NDA Government has initiated the ‘Tiranga Yatra’programme to keep the memory of the valiant martyrs and bravefreedom fighters afresh in the minds of the youth so that theymay tread the path shown by them and emulate the values theycherished. However, even 70 years after the country attainedfreedom, no other government thought of taking any suchinitiative, Parrikar quipped. The ‘Tiranga Yatra’ is a never-ending journey and theparticipants should work for the country with dedication. Asthe present generation was born in Independent India, theyouth should understand the value of freedom, assist inprotecting it and be ready to make any sacrifice for doing so.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the benefit of newpension scheme to servicemen and kept the party’s pollpromises, he said. Parrikar said efforts were being made to meet theshortage of officers. It is the task of local police to maintain law and order,and not that of the Army, he said. "The Army is carrying out its duty in Jammu and Kashmir.While Pakistan is trying to increase tensions, the soldiersare giving them appropriate response," he said. Welcoming Parrikar, Rao Inderjit Singh said the governmenthad honoured those who contributed to the freedom struggle byorganising the ‘Tiranga Yatra’. The country is surrounded by enemies but the forces arecapable of tackling them, he said. A programme would be organised on a grand scale in Rewarion November 16 in the memory of martyrs, he added. PTI VJ DKDRGAQS