Hyderabad: Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, a former Indian Air Force pilot, has said he is ready to return to combat duty if the nation requires him.
Speaking to reporters at Gandhi Bhavan, Reddy expressed pride in the Indian Armed Forces and condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, alleging Pakistan’s involvement. He emphasized that India has every reason to retaliate and called for a permanent resolution to the Kashmir issue.
Reddy, who joined the armed forces at the age of 16 in 1982 and became a fighter pilot by 20, said he had flown MiG-21 and MiG-23 aircraft during his service. “I’m still strong,” he said, adding, “If a full-scale conflict breaks out and I am needed, I will fight again.”
He asserted that the Kashmir conflict would not truly be resolved until Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is reclaimed, underlining the need for decisive action in the interest of national security.
