Panaji, Mar 1 (IANS): Goans can indulge in merriment because young soldiers of the Indian Army are guarding our borders, Goa Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said on Thursday while inaugurating a government-sponsored wine festival in the state capital.

"Our Army is never scared... Because they are there (on the borders), we can sleep in peace. Enjoyment will continue in Goa the way it has been, because our country has youngsters guarding the borders.

"They have shown that Pakistan is nothing. No terrorist will enter India, and those who do will be punished," Ajgaonkar told reporters after inaugurating the "The Grape Escapade" wine festival.

"We have faith in them (armed forces), that is why we can enjoy here. If the country faces any problem, every Indian will be ready to go to the border. Such is the blood of Hindustan," Ajgaonkar said.

Earlier in the day, the Congress had criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition government and questioned its patriotic credentials for hosting wine festivals and electronic dance music festivals in the coastal state at a time when the conflict between India and Pakistan is escalating and an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was captured by the Pakistani armed forces.