Pune: The
Southern Command chief Lieutenant General D R Soni said on Saturday that a large number of issues could be settled through discussions and there was no need for a war. He reiterated that the Indian armed forces were capable of handling all kinds of warfare and protect India's sovereignty.
The Southern Command had organized a ceremony to remember all those who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
The memorial service which had the military band in attendance, included a rendition of patriotic songs by children from various schools and prayers by religious teachers of the armed forces to pay homage to soldiers who laid down their lives.
Wreaths were laid by representatives of retired and serving soldiers. Homage was also paid by senior armed forces officers and prominent citizens, including former air force chief PV Naik, Pune Mayor Mukta Tilak and joint commissioner of police Ravindra Kadam. The final wreath was laid by Lt Gen Soni.
Speaking to media on the sidelines of the event, Soni said, "Economic conditions across the world and technology has changed the face of warfare. No war is good for people and country as it sets back the nation's economy for many years. A large number of issues can be settled through discussions. You don't actually need to go to war."
When enquired about the sub-conventional warfare scenario, Soni said, "Be it conventional, sub-conventional and futuristic warfare, the Indian armed forces are well equipped and trained to tackle any issues effectively to safeguard the nation."
Commenting on surgical strike against terrorist bases and insurgent groups across the border in Myanmar in the recent past, Soni said, "The military success definitely raised the morale. Services are capable of dealing with any issue. Surgical strike is one of the forms of dealing with the issues."
The event concluded with a candlelight ceremony organized by the citizens of Pune during the evening from 7pm to 9pm.
