Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Credit: PTI Photo
Srinagar: In a strongly worded statement, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is “incomplete” without the territory under Pakistan’s control, referring to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Speaking at the ninth Armed Forces Veterans’ Day rally in the Akhnoor sector near Jammu, Singh warned Pakistan against continuing its support for terrorism in PoK, claiming that the area was being used as a hub for terrorist training camps.
“Terrorist training camps are being run in PoK. Launch-pads have been built along the border. The Indian government is fully aware of these activities. Pakistan will have to end them,” the Defence Minister said.
His comments were a direct warning to Pakistan, which India accuses of sheltering and supporting terrorist groups operating in Kashmir.
He also criticised Pakistan’s treatment of the people in PoK, accusing the country’s leaders of using religion to incite violence against India.
“The people in PoK are being deprived of a dignified life. In the name of religion, Pakistan’s rulers are misleading them and inciting them against India. The venom recently spewed by the so-called Prime Minister of PoK, Anwarul Haq, is the same anti-India agenda that the rulers of Pakistan have been running since the time of General Zia-ul-Haq,” the Defence Minister said.
Rajnath’s statement adds to a series of remarks by BJP leaders reaffirming the country’s territorial claims over PoK, especially following the revocation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.
In his address, Singh also reflected on historical events, specifically the 1965 India-Pakistan war, and how India missed an opportunity to end cross-border terrorism.
“In 1965, India achieved a tactical victory in Akhnoor, thwarting Pakistan’s army. Cross-border terrorism, however, would have ended right then had the government converted that tactical advantage into a strategic one,” he said, hinting at missed opportunities in India’s response to Pakistan’s persistent support for terrorism.
The Defence Minister expressed admiration for the sacrifices made by the Muslim community, particularly in the fight against terrorism. “Our Muslim brothers have laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism,” he said, underscoring India’s united stance against extremism.
He also emphasised the Centre’s commitment to bridging the gap between Kashmir and the rest of the country. “Steps are being taken in this direction by J&K CM Omar Abdullah. The Veterans Day celebrations in Akhnoor prove that Akhnoor has the same place in our hearts as Delhi,” Rajnath said.
Omar Abdullah, who was also present at the event, said, "You are the people who gave everything for the sake of the country, who didn't worry about their future or lives and were ready to sacrifice and did for the protection of the country.”