Kejriwal demands retaliation for Uri

NEWDELHI: Maintaining that war is not a solution but there is a need to take action in other ways, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal attacked the Central government on Tuesday for not taking any action in the wake of a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Uri, which led to the death of 18 soldiers.

“Why are we silent despite being under attack from an enemy state. I am not propagating war. War is not a solution. But there are hundred other ways to do something and retaliate. Are we so weak that we have to remain silent despite the attacks,” Kejriwal said.

The chief minister felicitated 190 freedom fighters and family members of martyrs from various states at an event, Shaheed Utsav, to mark 110th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh on Tuesday.

He also appealed to PM Narendra Modi to give ₹1 crore to honour martyrs. “Their value cannot be measured in money but we can make their families feel that the country is taking care of them. Families of soldiers and policemen who die saving the country should be given ₹1 crore,” he said.

Kejriwal said that the Delhi government has been doing this for over a year and it has not burdened them financially. “We announced this a year and half ago but we did not go bankrupt. Instead Delhi residents paid so much as taxes. Centre will not go bankrupt if they start this. I suggest the PM should start by honouring Uri martyrs,” he said.

Speaking about Bhagat Singh, Kejriwal said there is a need to follow the ideals of freedom fighters rather than just celebrating their birth and death anniversary.