External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar targets opposition for disrespecting ‘jawans’ after Tawang clash

New Delhi: During the Winter Session of Parliament in Lok Sabha, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar targeted the opposition on the matter of the Indo-China conflict. Jaishankar took a jib at the opposition for disrespecting the army personnel on the border. He replied to the question raised regarding the government being ‘indifferent’ to China.

While speaking during the discussion on passing the Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill 2019, Jaishankar took the issue of China and replied that if the government is indifferent to China, ‘then who sent the forces on the border?’ He added that one should not criticise the ‘jawans’ directly or indirectly. He added that the Indian soldiers are standing at a height of 13,000 ft in the Yangtse and they should be respected. He said that the government is open to criticism but one should not disrespect the army and use the word ‘pitai’ for them.

Talking about the bill, he said that anyone committing an act of piracy shall be punished with a fine, imprisonment or death sentence depending on the nature of the circumstances. He also talked about the fishermen from Tamil Nadu entering Sri Lanka. He told the Parliament that since 2014, 2,835 Indian fishermen have been released from Sri Lanka. He told that PM Modi has been in constant talks with Sri Lanka. The Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill 2019 was passed by the Parliament.

The bill has now added the punishment of life imprisonment along with the provision of the death penalty. After scrutiny by a parliamentary panel, the government moved amendments in the Monsoon Session of Parliament.