Akhnoor, Jan 14, KNT: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday accused Pakistan of persistently attempting to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir through its support for militancy.
Speaking at a rally in Akhnoor’s Tenda Artillery Division, Singh criticized Pakistan for harboring militant infrastructure and called out past Indian governments for losing critical strategic opportunities during pivotal conflicts.
Rajnath Singh highlighted that Pakistan has faced defeat in every confrontation with India and continues to support militancy despite repeated setbacks.
“Since 1965, Pakistan has fueled infiltration and militancy, hoping to sway the Muslim population in Jammu and Kashmir to its side. However, neither in 1965 nor during the height of militancy did the people of Jammu and Kashmir support Pakistan. Many Muslims sacrificed their lives for the nation and stood against Pakistan,” he said.
He accused Pakistan of being responsible for over 80% of the militants infiltrating India, adding that militant training camps and launchpads continue to operate in Pakistan-held- Kashmir.
Criticizing the Congress government’s handling of the 1965 war, Singh stated that India’s strategic gains on the battlefield were undermined during negotiations. “Had the government at that time secured Haji Pir and closed infiltration routes, militancy could have been curtailed decades ago,” he remarked.
The Defence Minister also condemned Pakistan’s anti-India rhetoric and warned Islamabad to dismantle its militant infrastructure in PaK or face consequences.
“Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Pakistan occupied Kashmir. For Pakistan, PoK is merely a foreign territory, but for us, it is an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir,” Singh declared.
He emphasized that PaK is being used as a hub for militancy, with militant training camps and launchpads near the border facilitating infiltration into India. “We have concrete information about these activities, and the Indian government is fully aware of the situation. Pakistan must put an end to this, or else…” Singh warned during his address.
The minister also highlighted the plight of people living in PaK, stating that they are deprived of dignity and exploited in the name of religion by Pakistan’s leadership to serve anti-India agendas.
Singh further asserted that the abrogation of Article 370 has ushered in a new era of transformation in Jammu and Kashmir. “The situation in Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a drastic change, and this reality cannot be denied,” he stated. [KNT]
