Congress lists multiple surgical strikes, slams Centre for politicising 2016 action

Vartha Bharati | 28-06-2018 | 11:57:00 IST

New Delhi, June 28 : The Congress on Thursday accused the Modi government of leveraging the 2016 surgical strikes across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir as "political fodder" to garner votes and listed similar multiple strikes carried out over last two decades to assert that such action was not the first of its kind though they were not "politicised" earlier.

Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala's comments came a day after the footage of Indian Army's surgical strikes in September 2016 was released.

Talking to reporters here, Surjewala said BJP President Amit Shah had "dishonoured" the 70-year-long history of bravery and sacrifice of the armed forces by making a "disgraceful statement" on October 7, 2016 that "Indian Army had crossed the LoC for the first time in 68 years".

Surjewala said that conducting strategic surgical strikes "with utmost precision and effective penetration" at different times in last two decades has been characteristic of the grit and determination of the Indian Armed Forces.

He listed multiple "surgical strikes" prior to those conducted in September 2016 after the Narendra Modi government assumed office.

"We are proud that our forces have successfully conducted multiple surgical strikes over last two decades, particularly post the year 2000 -- January 21, 2000 (Nadala Enclave, across the Neelam River); September 18, 2003 (Baroh Sector, Poonch); June 19, 2008 (Bhattal Sector, Poonch); August 30 to September 1, 2011 (Sharda Sector, across Neelam River Valley in Kel); January 6, 2013 (Sawan Patra Checkpost); July 27 to 28, 2013 ( Nazapir Sector); August 6, 2013 (Neelam Valley); January 14, 2014; September 28 to 29, 2016."

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New Delhi: Since the closure of airspace in West Asia, Indian airlines have brought back around 15,000 stranded passengers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (India), recovery flights began on March 2. These figures cover operations through March 5. On Friday, March 6, a total of 40 inbound flights returned people to India.

As many as 51 flights are scheduled to arrive on Saturday, March 7 which is the highest number since airstrikes in the region began on February 28, according to The Hindu.

Besides Indian carriers, Gulf airlines are also engaged in the airlifting activity. The Emirates, flydubai and Etihad Airways have operated some special flights and limited commercial services.

The ministry has set up a control room and helpline for passengers seeking travel assistance and can be contacted on 011-24604283 and 011-24632987.