This Article is From Apr 02, 2020

Calling Army To Enforce Rules Can Only Be Last Resort: Sharad Pawar

Army is summoned to fight enemies and not citizens, the former defence minister said in a Facebook live program.

Calling Army To Enforce Rules Can Only Be Last Resort: Sharad Pawar

Sharad Pawar said the Army is summoned (to fight) against enemies and not our own people (File)

Mumbai:

Seeking the Army's help to enforce discipline during lockdown for coronavirus can only be a measure of last resort, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar said during an online interaction on Thursday.

Army is summoned to fight enemies and not citizens, the former defence minister said in a Facebook live program.

One Facebook user said the Army should be called in to take action against those who do not follow lockdown regulations and norms of social distancing.

Responding to the comment, Mr Pawar said a legion of NGO workers are playing their role in the fight against COVID-19.

"Summoning Army is the last resort. The Army is summoned (to fight) against enemies and not our own people. So we should not think about summoning the Army till there is no need," he said.

"If ever such a need arises, it may be thought of eventually," the veteran leader added.

.