Yogesh
Akhnoor, Jan 14: Describing Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as the “crown jewel of India” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without the PoK.
Speaking at the 9th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day event here Singh, said, “PoK is the crown jewel of India, which is nothing more than a foreign territory to Pakistan.”
“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,” the Defence Minister said, adding, “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.”
He accused Pakistan of trying to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir. “Dismantle terror camps or face consequences…” Singh said, adding, “Over 80% of terrorists entering India come from Pakistan.”
“The war between India and Pakistan was fought in Akhnoor in 1965. India succeeded in thwarting the efforts of the Pakistani Army. Pakistan has been promoting illegal infiltration and terrorism since 1965. Cross-border terrorism would have ended in 1965 itself, but the then Central Government was unable to convert the tactical advantage gained in the war into a strategic advantage,” he said.
Commenting on relations between New Delhi and J&K Government, the Defence Minister said, “Our government’s top priority is to remove the gap between Kashmir and the rest of India. J&K CM Omar Abdullah is taking steps in this direction,” he said.
Singh said that the efforts are underway to minimise the distance between the hearts of people of J&K and Delhi.
He said, “Army veterans have always defeated the enemies during the war to safeguard the country. Pakistan has always been defeated by our soldiers (veterans) be it in 1948, 1965, 1971 or 1999 war.”
Talking about the Veterans’ Day celebrations, Singh remarked, “Akhnoor holds the same importance for us as Delhi.”
The Defence Minister added that 2025 is the diamond jubilee year of the 1965 Indo-Pak war, and India’s victory was the result of the valour & sacrifice of the armed Forces.
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 as the 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-feet high National Flag and inaugurated ‘Akhnoor Heritage Museum’.
The museum is a tribute to the rich history and culture of the region. Located on NH144A 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 & government welfare organisations, banks & employment agencies were established at the venue for in-situ grievance redressal and awareness.
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha; J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar; other senior civil & military officers; Director, War Wounded Foundation; Director, Directorate of Indian Army Veterans; veterans and representatives of various ex-servicemen organizations attended the event.
The Defence Minister led the celebrations by addressing around 1,000 ex-servicemen during an event at Tanda Artillery Brigade, Akhnoor in Jammu. He 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. Speaking in Akhnoor, Singh warned Pakistan to take concrete action against terrorism that continues to thrive on its soil.
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 a number of 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.
