Army told to shoot countless bullets to retaliate a single fire from Pakistani forces: Rajnath Singh

India wanted peaceful relations with Pakistan, but its forces have been told that if one bullet comes from across the border, they should fire countless bullets to retaliate, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said here on Saturday night.

"I have given standing orders to our forces to shoot limitless bullets to retaliate a single fire on our territory by the Pakistani forces," he said at an election rally at Barjala on the state capitals outskirts.

"As our neighbour, we do not want to attack Pakistan first. We want to live in peace and harmony with our all neighbours. But, most, unfortunately, Pakistan is trying to tear down Jammu and Kashmir and continue attacks on our forces and Indian territory," he added.

Hitting out at the Left Front government, Rajnath Singh said that during its 25-year uninterrupted rule, it did nothing for the development of Tripura, economic prosperity of the state and to remove huge poverty and unemployment.

"During CPI-Ms 35 years rule in West Bengal, they ruined that state, and if the Left parties after the February 18 assembly polls are allowed to rule Tripura further, they would destroy the future of the state and its people," he alleged.

He said that only his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can develop the country and the northeastern states including Tripura.

"BJP and its allies are now ruling 19 states in India. Why are so many states under BJP and its allies governance? Because people of these states trust BJP and people sincerely believe that only BJP can remove their pverty and provide jobs to the youth."

Rajnath Singh said that Tripura has huge natural resources and if BJP comes to power in the state, it would make this northeastern state a number one state in India.

"You have given scope to the Left parties in Tripura many times, give scope to BJP once this time to rule for genuine development of the state with all-round growth of all sections of people," he said.

PTI