BJP Govt treats Delhi, Kashmir Equally: DM
Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Jan 14 :
Launching a veiled attack, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday asked Pakistan to put its nefarious designs to an end.
Singh leading the Armed Forces Veterans Day celebrations by addressing around 1,000 ex-servicemen during an event at Tanda Artillery Brigade, Akhnoor in Jammu said that 2025 is the diamond jubilee year of the 1965 Indo-Pak war, and India’s victory was the result of the valour and sacrifice of the Armed Forces.
He was accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan.
“Pakistan has lost every war it fought with India, whether it was the attack in 1948, the war of 1965, the war of 1971 or the Kargil war of 1999. Pakistan has been promoting illegal infiltration and terrorism since 1965 and has tried to influence the local population in J&K,” Singh said.
But he said that the people here have always rejected their intentions. Pakistan still resorts to terrorism, adding, ‘Even today, over 80 per cent of terrorists who come to India are from there. The terrorism would have ended in 1965 only, had the then government not turned the strategic advantages gained on the battlefield into disadvantages.”
The situation on the ground has significantly improved since the abrogation of Article 370, he said.
Singh described PoK as the crown jewel of India, which is nothing more than a foreign territory to Pakistan.
He said: “J&K is incomplete without PoK. The people living there are being deprived of a dignified life. Efforts are being made by Pakistan to mislead and provoke them against India in the name of religion.”
“PoK’s land is being used for terrorism. Training camps for terrorists are running and launch pads have been built in the areas adjacent to the border. The Indian government is well aware of the situation. Pakistan will have to put an end to its nefarious designs,” Singh stated.
The ninth Armed Forces Veterans’ Day was celebrated at multiple locations across the country on January 14, 2025. Veterans’ rallies and wreath-laying ceremonies were organised at several places, including Jammu, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, Bareilly, Jaipur and Siliguri to pay respects to the ex-servicemen for their selfless duty and reinforce solidarity towards the Next of Kin of these Bravehearts.
Singh interacted with the ex-servicemen and expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces personnel, both retired & serving, for their selfless service towards protecting the borders with unmatched bravery, dedication, sacrifice and patriotism.
Singh asserted that the nation will forever remain indebted to the Armed Forces, adding that every Indian holds deep respect for the gallant soldiers. This respect for the soldiers is ingrained in the values of the country, he said, pointing out that the conduct of multiple Veterans’ Day events is one such way to show that respect.
He also described the Veterans’ Day celebrations at Akhnoor as a testament to the fact that Jammu and Kashmir has been, is and will always remain an integral part of India.
He reasserted Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government’s unwavering resolve to bridge the distance between J&K and the rest of the country, describing the abrogation of Article 370 as a crucial step in this direction.
Concluding the address, he reiterated the Government’s commitment towards the welfare of the veterans, serving soldiers and their families. Terming it as a top priority, he assured that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will always work beyond its capacity to ensure the well-being of its soldiers, who remain assets to the country even after retirement. He enumerated the steps taken by MoD and underlined that the Government stands with the soldiers of the country at every step.
As part of the event, Rajnath Singh hoisted a 108-foot-high National Flag and inaugurated the ‘Akhnoor Heritage Museum’.
The museum is a tribute to the rich history and culture of the region. Located on NH-144A connecting Jammu to Poonch, the museum showcases the rich history and legacy of the region.
Certain mobility equipment in terms of Motorised Wheelchairs, Tri Scooters, Scooters and Auto Rickshaws were handed over to the ex-servicemen on the occasion.
More than 40 stalls/help desks of various Records Offices, Defence and Government Welfare Organisations, Banks and Employment Agencies were established at the venue for in-situ grievance redressal and awareness.
“Kashmir was treated differently (by previous governments) in the past as a result our brothers and sisters in the region could not get connected with Delhi as it should have been. I do not want to go into the past as our government’s biggest achievement is that we have been working to bridge ‘dil ki duri’ (distance between hearts) between Kashmir and the rest of the country.
“I congratulate Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for taking the right steps to help overcome the little bit of gap (which is still there),” the defence minister said.
The defence minister slammed Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq for his remarks against India, and said that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK.
He also extended Makar Sankranti and New Year greetings to the veterans, and said their presence in Akhnoor demonstrates that “we are treating Akhnoor or for that matter Kashmir the same way as Delhi in our hearts.”
