I support freedom of expression within legal restrictions: Parrikar

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday stated that he supports freedom of expression but within the legal framework of the country. 

Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday, Parrikar said, “I support freedom of expression, but people must respect law of the land.”

The statement comes in the heed of controversy over Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur’s video about her father’s death on Indo-Pakistan border, days before Kargil war. “Pakistan did not kill my father, war did,” her video message read. 

However, the defence minister clarified that he did not make the statement in reference to any particular individual or incident. 

Speaking on the issue of recent army paper leak, he said, “Conducting internal enquiry, MoD has recommended CBI enquiry as it has interstate implications.”

Defence Minister Parrikar also addressed the alleged security threat to India, “There may or may not be a nuclear, chemical or biological threat, but we are ready for any future eventuality.”

Updates: 

#In view of some reports coming in from certain parts of Afghanistan and northern parts where I have seen photos of local population suffering from blisters and some chemical weapons: Manohar Parrikar

#At this moment, I have no confirmation on the matter but photos were quite disturbing, we should be prepared for any kind of warfare: Parrikar

Also read | Indian youth who allegedly joined Islamic State killed in Afghanistan: Family