Defence Minister Parrikar writes letter to Mamata, slams her for dragging Army into controversy

New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar wrote a letter to Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, expressing pain over dragging the Army into controversy surrounding the exercises carried out by Indian Army’s Eastern command in West Bengal and other states under their jurisdiction to collect information on movement of heavy vehicles at toll gates during 1^st to 2^nd December, 2016. Image courtesy: ANI Image courtesy: ANI The letter read, “Your allegations in this regard run the risk of adversely impacting the morale of the country's armed forces”. Parrikar expressed pain over Mamata’s allegations as he said, “I am deeply pained by your allegations as reported by the media. If only you had inquired with the concerned agencies of the state government, you would have come to know of the extensive correspondence of the Army and the state agencies, including the joint inspection of sites carried out by them”. It also read that “the Army authorities were forced to put the record straight in the matter by presenting evidence of their communication with concerned state agencies including rescheduling of data collection operations their request”. The Defence Minister signed off by saying that the political parties keep slamming each other over various issues, but one needs to be very sensitive and careful before dragging the Army into the matter. Commenting on the letter TMC leader Derek O Brien said, “The letter has not reached Chief Minister Mamata as yet. He added saying, “would give a befitting reply to Parrikar once it reaches West Bengal”. Image courtesy: ANI