Udupi : Pejawar Adhokshaja Mutt seer Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swami On Thursday night had watched the ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’, in Manipal with theatre owners making special arrangements to help him watch the movie.

Seer has praised Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman for the courage he displayed during the crisis.

He said Abhinandan has enhanced the country’s respect. “The pilot deserves our salute. He has also displayed his concern to protect the interests of his motherland by swallowing papers and ensure that it does not reach the hands of enemies,” the seer said.

He told media persons on Friday that India should not engage in war with Pakistan.

Let peace prevail without compromising on our self-respect,he said.

“I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his courage and boldness. Modi became the prime minister of India at the appropriate time,” he added.

On the debate over former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa’s statement that BJP has bright chances of winning 22 Lok Sabha seats based on the Indian armed forces’ assault on Pakistan, the seer said it is a minor issue which does not deserve to be given too much importance. Yeddyurappa’s utterance need not be blown out of proportion, he added.

He recollected that when Indira Gandhi was the prime minister, a war had taken place and many leaders had claimed that it would be an advantage to Congress.

On the Centre’s handling of terrorism, the seer said the terrorists should be decimated at any cost. At the same time, it should be ensured that innocent people do not lose lives, he said.