Srinagar, Sept 22:
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with its neighbours but stressed that dialogue with Pakistan would only resume if Islamabad takes concrete steps to end terrorism against India.
Addressing rallies in Poonch, Rajouri, and Jammu as part of the BJP’s election campaign, Singh reiterated that India’s stance aligns with the principles set by former Prime Minister AtalBihariVajpayee: humanity, democracy, and Kashmiriyat. “We want good relations with all our neighbouring countries, including Pakistan. But how can we maintain peaceful relations when they continue to promote terrorism?” Singh remarked.
Singh emphasised that if Pakistan guarantees an end to terrorism on Indian soil, India is ready for dialogue. Responding to Pakistani Defence Minister KhawajaAsif’s recent comments supporting the Congress-NC alliance’s stance on Article 370, Singh questioned the alignment of Congress and the National Conference with Pakistan’s agenda. “Are Congress and the NC acting as Pakistan’s proxies? Why does the Congress-led INDI alliance echo Pakistan’s concerns?” he asked.
Referring to past events, Singh criticized Congress and its allies for questioning the Pulwama attack and demanding proof of surgical and airstrikes, claiming such actions bolstered Pakistan’s interests. He vowed to prevent Pakistan’s “malicious plans” from succeeding in Jammu and Kashmir.
Singh highlighted the 61% voter turnout in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, terming it a clear signal of the positive transformation in the region since the abrogation of Article 370. “The people of J&K have raised the prestige of democracy,” he said, commending the citizens for participating fearlessly.
Singh also accused the Congress of misleading voters by promising to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, noting that Prime Minister Modi had already assured the restoration of statehood status before the elections.
During his campaign, Singh extended an invitation to the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), offering them a dignified life in India. “The people of PoK are frustrated by oppression and impressed by J&K’s transformation and India’s progress. We are ready to welcome them with open arms,” he stated.
“First of all, Congress is nowhere to form a government in J-K. Prime Minister Modiji has already said in the Parliament, before the elections, that Jammu and Kashmir will be granted statehood status,” he said.
“Elections are being held after 10 years in J-K and everybody’s eyes are on this election. More than 58 per cent voting has happened in J-K, while in Ladakh, over 82 per cent voting took place…This is a big sign of change for J-K,” Singh added.
Singh addressed three public meetings in Poonch, Rajouri and Jammu during his election campaign in the Union Territory.
Singh criticized Pakistan’s history of fostering terrorism, saying the country is now suffering the consequences of its actions. He declared that terrorism in the region is waning and that India will ensure its complete eradication.
“Look at the plight of the people of PoK. They are feeling frustrated due to the oppression there. At the same time, they are feeling impressed by J&K’s transformation and India’s progress. We are not like Congress that claims PoK people are not ours,” he said.
Singh said that Pakistan has reached such a state because rearing snakes and trading in them always has bad consequences. Pakistan’s business of exporting terrorism has now slowed down. Terrorism will be completely eradicated from here, he said.
“All these things are clearly indicating that efforts are being made to carry out Pakistan’s agenda. But I want to tell both sides that we will not allow Pakistan’s evil agenda to work in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
power, vastly different from what it was a decade ago.
“There was a time when India’s voice was overlooked on international platforms. Today, world leaders listen intently and take note of India’s position on global affairs,” he stated, predicting that by 2027, India would become the world’s third-largest democracy,” he said.
The Defence Minister also hailed the abrogation of Article 370 as a pivotal step that ensured the Indian tricolour waves proudly at LalChowk, a symbol of Jammu and Kashmir’s integration into the nation. He expressed confidence that the BJP would not allow a return to the “dark days” of the past.
“It was a grave injustice that Kashmir, being an integral part of India, did not hoist the tricolour at LalChowk. Today, the national flag waves high in the heart of the city,” he said.
The Défense Minister reassured that the BJP would not allow a return to the “dark days.”
“Since 1990, 80% of those killed in Jammu and Kashmir were Muslims. “We will not let Kashmir, where both Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims celebrate the KheerBhawaniMela with communal harmony, suffer again,” he said.
Singh voiced strong opposition to attempts by political parties like the NC, Congress, and PDP to rename historical sites such as Shankaracharya Hill and Hari Parbat to Takht-e-Sulaimani and Koh-e-Maran, respectively. “We will not let that happen,” he asserted.
Singh reiterated that Pakistan’s “evil agenda” would not be allowed to succeed in Jammu and Kashmir. “Since 1990, 80% of those killed in Jammu and Kashmir have been Muslims. We will not let Kashmir suffer again,” he declared, underlining the BJP’s commitment to communal harmony in the region.
The Defence Minister highlighted BJP’s development initiatives in the region, including the construction of AIIMS facilities in Jammu and Kashmir, and the establishment of IITs and IIMs. He also mentioned several welfare schemes for the people of J&K, promising financial security for senior women and free LPG cylinders under the UjjwalaYojana.
He also touched on his role as Home Minister in withdrawing FIRs against young stone pelters, stating that his actions were aimed at addressing the root causes of unrest, rather than blaming the youth. He called for support for BJP candidates in the ongoing elections.
