Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday reiterated the BJP government’s commitment to treating all regions of India, including Jammu and Kashmir, with equal respect and development focus. Addressing a public gathering in Jammu, Singh took a strong stance against recent remarks made by Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, who criticized India over the Kashmir issue. Singh firmly stated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and that the region remains incomplete without PoK.
“Jammu and Kashmir Is Incomplete Without PoK”
Singh asserted that India’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable and emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK, is an integral part of the country. “Let me make it clear: Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK. This has always been India’s position, and we will continue to uphold it,” the Defence Minister declared, receiving resounding applause from the audience.
Singh’s remarks come in the wake of inflammatory statements from PoK’s leadership, accusing India of suppressing the rights of the Kashmiri people. The Defence Minister dismissed these allegations as baseless propaganda and accused Pakistan of perpetuating instability in the region.
Equal Treatment for Delhi and Kashmir
Highlighting the BJP government’s commitment to regional equality, Singh stated that the government treats Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir as equals. He lauded the central government’s efforts in bringing development, infrastructure, and governance reforms to Jammu and Kashmir, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
“The days of discrimination against Jammu and Kashmir are over. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the region is witnessing unprecedented progress. We are building roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals at a pace never seen before,” Singh added.
Criticism of Pakistan and PoK Leadership
The Defence Minister reserved sharp criticism for Pakistan and its role in fostering instability in Jammu and Kashmir. He accused Pakistan of promoting terrorism in the region while neglecting its own people. Referring to PoK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq’s recent comments, Singh said, “Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Pakistan’s leadership should focus on the plight of its citizens instead of making baseless accusations against India.”
A Vision for Jammu and Kashmir
Singh outlined the government’s vision for Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the importance of grassroots democracy, economic empowerment, and cultural integration. He pointed to successful initiatives such as record-breaking tourism in the Valley, the creation of job opportunities, and the strengthening of local governance through Panchayati Raj institutions.
“Our aim is to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a model region of peace, prosperity, and development. We want the youth of the Valley to dream big and achieve bigger,” Singh said.
Reactions to Rajnath Singh’s Remarks
Singh’s statements have drawn mixed reactions from political circles. While BJP leaders and supporters hailed the Defence Minister’s strong stance on PoK and his commitment to regional equality, opposition parties accused the government of using the Kashmir issue for political mileage.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti criticized the BJP’s approach, stating, “Instead of making lofty claims, the government should focus on addressing the ground realities and ensuring justice for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
On the other hand, analysts believe Singh’s remarks reflect the BJP’s consistent stance on Kashmir and its long-term strategy to counter Pakistan’s narrative on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
As tensions between India and Pakistan persist, Singh’s remarks underline India’s unwavering position on Jammu and Kashmir. The Defence Minister’s speech is also seen as an effort to reassure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the central government remains committed to their welfare and development.
The issue of PoK continues to be a contentious topic in India-Pakistan relations, with Singh’s comments likely to provoke strong reactions from across the border. Whether this translates into concrete policy actions remains to be seen, but the message from New Delhi is clear: Jammu and Kashmir, in its entirety, belongs to India.
