Mangalore: Defence Minister George Fernandes on December 21 said the country would move towards a "secure position" if there was integrity among the people.

Inaugurating a two-day world Bunts' convention organised by the Bunts Association here under the aegis of Federation of World Bunts' Association, he said the Army alone could not maintain the security of the country as they were mainly guarding the border areas.

"There is a wrong conception in the minds of the people that if there is a strong Army force, the country will be in a safe position. If there is no peace and integrity, what can the Army do," he asked.

Recalling that socialist leader Rammanohar Lohia had once said that if there was no strength in arms, the fist could not be strong, he said, "the Army was the fist and the people are the arms".

Noting that India had the goal to make 21st Century India's Century, he said China was ahead of the country.

AS many as 8,000 delegates from all over the world including Britain, US, Dubai, Australia and Gulf countries are taking part in the convention. Renowned Kannada writer Kayyara Kinnhanna Rai presided.

PTI