New Delhi: Even as the border stand-off with China in Doklam continues,Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has asserted the Indian armed forces are strong enough to meet any challenge to the country's security as lessons have been learnt from the 1962 war.
He said India had "learnt a lesson" from the 1962 war with China that "the armed forces will have to be made fully capable on our own because even today the nation faces challenges from our neighbouring countries."
Jaitley said that the people of the country have a strong desire to retrieve parts of Jammu & Kashmir that have been occupied by Pakistan since 1948.
"Initially (after Independence), we faced a crisis. Our neighbour had an eye on Kashmir. Even today, we cannot forget that a part of the country has got separated. It is a wish of every Indian today as to how to retrieve that part," Jaitley said.
The remark came while Jaitley was initiating a special debate in the Rajya Sabha to mark the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1942.
Noting that when the leaders gave the call of Quit India, the entire nation stood up with them due to their credibility, Jaitley said representatives from all political parties should strive to restore credibility in public life that has eroded over the years.
Recalling events related to the movement, leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad took a dig at the ruling BJP. "Last night was eventful like the night of 8 August 1942. I don't want to go into details," he said as Congress candidate Ahmed Patel managed to win a thrilling contest against BJP.
Azad said the leaders of the freedom movement had emphasised on unity among different communities. He said the Quit India Movement never saw any riot as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru had sought unity among Hindus and Muslims.
Jaitley, on his part, emphasised that different religions and castes are an integral part of the country. He said it is important to maintain harmony in the country and there should be no place in the country for violence in the name of politics, religion and terrorism.