Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Tuesday that Jammu and Kashmir remains incomplete without Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and issued a stern warning to Pakistan regarding terrorist training camps operating in the region.
“Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK. For Pakistan, PoK is nothing more than foreign territory. The land of PoK is being used to facilitate terrorism, with training camps running there. Pakistan must dismantle them,” Rajnath Singh said during his address at the 9th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day event.
The Defence Minister reflected on historical events, mentioning that the Lal Bahadur Shastri government had the opportunity to end cross-border terrorism in 1965 by converting India’s tactical advantage in the war into a strategic one.
“The 1965 Indo-Pak war was fought in Akhnoor, where India successfully repelled Pakistani forces. Since then, Pakistan has been promoting terrorism and illegal infiltration. Had the central government in 1965 acted to transform the tactical victory into a strategic one, cross-border terrorism could have been eliminated then,” he said.
Rajnath Singh also acknowledged the sacrifices made by India’s Muslim community in the fight against terrorism, adding that over 80% of terrorists infiltrating India originate from Pakistan.
Highlighting the government’s efforts, he said, “One of the top priorities of our government is to bridge the gap between Kashmir and the rest of the country. We are taking steps in this direction, with contributions from Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah. The celebrations in Akhnoor on Veterans’ Day show that the region holds a special place in our hearts, just like Delhi.”
In his address, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah paid tribute to the veterans, acknowledging their sacrifices for the nation. “You are the people who gave everything for the country, without thinking about your future or safety. It is now our duty to serve you,” Abdullah said.
He further promised efforts to ensure veterans receive all the support they need, including utilizing reserved positions in recruitment and providing financial aid through various schemes. “Satish Sharma, the son of a retired soldier, serves in my Cabinet, and together we are committed to helping you,” he added.
Armed Forces Veterans’ Day, celebrated annually on January 14, honors the service of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, who retired on this day in 1953. The day, first observed in 2016, continues to celebrate the contributions of ex-servicemen through interactive events across the country.