Union minister SS Ahluwalia says ‘intention of Balakot air strike wasn’t to kill, but to send out a message’  

SS Ahluwalia. 

After calls by opposition voices to explain how did the government get the figure of 300–350 militants killed in the Indian air strike in Balakot Jaish-e-Muhammed camp, Union minister and BJP Lok Sabha MP from Darjeeling SS Ahluwalia said the purpose of the strike was not to cause human casualty but to send out the message that India can hit deep inside Pakistan. He also said neither the prime minister nor the government has given any figures on the causalities, but it was the media. 

Ahluwalia, speaking to reporters in Bengali, said, “I have seen reports in Indian media and international media and what Modi-ji had said. After the air strike, there was a rally by Modi-ji and he didn't say anything on the casualty figures. I want to ask if Modi-ji, or any government spokesperson, or our party president Amit Shah has given any figures?”

He further stated, “I was asked whether I stand by the government's statement or by the reports of Indian media which have said, 300-350 terrorists, where killed. I stand by the government's statement. How can I vouch for media reports?”

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