Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that Jammu and Kashmir remains “incomplete” without Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), warning Pakistan against operating terrorist training camps in the region.
Speaking at the 9th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day event in J&K’s Akhnoor, Singh said, “Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK. For Pakistan, PoK is nothing more than a foreign territory. However, this land is being used for the business of terrorism. Terrorist training camps are operational in PoK. Pakistan must dismantle these camps.”
Referring to the 1965 India-Pakistan war, Singh said that the government under Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri had the opportunity to end cross-border terrorism by converting the tactical advantage gained during the conflict into a strategic victory.
“The war between India and Pakistan in Akhnoor during 1965 saw the Indian Army successfully thwarting Pakistan’s efforts. Since then, Pakistan has supported illegal infiltration and terrorism. Cross-border terrorism could have ended in 1965 had the government at the time converted tactical gains into strategic advantage,” he said.
Singh also highlighted the contributions of India’s Muslim community in combating terrorism, noting their sacrifices. “More than 80% of terrorists entering India are from Pakistan, but our Muslim brothers have also laid down their lives fighting terrorism,” he added.
Singh said steps are being taken to address gaps between Kashmir and the rest of the country. “One of our top priorities is bridging any divide between Kashmir and the rest of India. Initiatives are being undertaken in this direction. Veterans Day celebrations here in Akhnoor symbolize the unity between Akhnoor and the rest of the nation,” he emphasized.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also addressed the event, lauding the sacrifices made by veterans. “Veterans are individuals who gave everything for the country, without concern for their future or safety. It is now our duty to ensure their well-being,” he said. Abdullah mentioned ongoing efforts to extend benefits to ex-servicemen, including providing support under government schemes.
“We are committed to ensuring that recruitment reservations are utilized, financial aid is delivered smoothly, and all veterans receive the assistance they are entitled to,” Abdullah added. He also noted the contributions of former soldiers, highlighting Satish Sharma, a retired soldier’s son in his Cabinet, as an example.
Armed Forces Veterans’ Day, observed annually on January 14, commemorates the retirement of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the Armed Forces’ first Commander-in-Chief, on this day in 1953. Introduced in 2016, the day is marked every year with interactive events celebrating the service of ex-servicemen.