NEW DELHI: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that India is ready to retaliate across the Line of Control if necessary to protect the border and integrity. He was speaking at the 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas function held at the Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh. The honour and dignity of the country are above all. The army did not cross the LoC in the 1999 war because we cherish peace. The country is committed to international law. Not crossing the Line of Control does not mean being incapable of doing so. We are prepared for that too if needed. We have attempted to resolve all issues with Pakistan through diplomatic means but were betrayed.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Pakistan and tried to resolve issues, including Kashmir but Pakistan attempted to capture our positions in Kargil. With 'Operation Vijay', the Indian Army gave a befitting reply to the infiltrators. It was a reply to all adversaries crossing the border. The Indian Army will not back down in the national interest. The Army has proved that wars are won not only by bombs and guns but also by conviction and valour.

People know that the government will not compromise on national interest. The Army has been given full freedom to guard the border. Rajnath Singh said that although the army was strong, the political leadership lacked the will in the previous years. As part of the celebration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the soldiers at the war memorial in Delhi.