In a bold statement during the 9th Armed Forces Veterans Day program in Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh declared that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

He accused Pakistan of using PoK as a hub for terrorism and issued a stern warning, stating that Pakistan must dismantle its terror infrastructure in PoK or face the consequences.

Key Highlights from Rajnath Singh’s Address

PoK’s Misuse by Pakistan

Singh emphasized that PoK is nothing more than foreign territory for Pakistan and is being used to run terrorist training camps and launch pads.

He stated that India has concrete intelligence about these activities and is fully aware of the situation.

Warning to Pakistan

"Pakistan must destroy its terrorist infrastructure in PoK or be prepared to face the consequences," Singh warned. He added that Pakistan has been sponsoring terrorism to destabilize India, but its efforts have consistently failed.

Historical Context

Referring to the 1965 India-Pakistan war, Singh highlighted that the battle of Akhnoor was a significant event where Indian forces successfully thwarted Pakistan's efforts.

He noted that while India has consistently defeated Pakistan in wars, Islamabad continues to support terrorism.

Support from J&K’s Citizens

The Defense Minister praised the people of Jammu and Kashmir for not supporting Pakistan, even during times of peak terrorism. He mentioned the sacrifices of Muslim soldiers like Brigadier Mohammad Usman, who laid down their lives to protect India’s sovereignty.

Commitment to Bridging Gaps

Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to erasing any divides between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India. He emphasized that Jammu and Akhnoor hold as much importance in the hearts of Indians as Delhi.

Pakistan’s Persistent Terror Policy

Despite international pressure, Singh said, Pakistan has not abandoned its policy of supporting terrorism. He pointed out that 80% of the terrorists attempting to infiltrate India originate from Pakistan.

Unity and Sacrifice

The Defense Minister paid tribute to the sacrifices of the people and soldiers of Jammu and Kashmir in the fight against terrorism. He called for continued efforts to integrate Jammu and Kashmir seamlessly with the rest of India while ensuring peace and development in the region.

This assertive stance from Rajnath Singh reinforces India’s position on PoK and highlights the nation’s unwavering resolve to combat terrorism and secure its sovereignty.