Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Saturday described India’s Partition as “the greatest blunder of history” and asserted that the retrieval of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) remains the only pending issue between India and Pakistan.
Addressing the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemoration organised by the Jammu Kashmir Peoples’ Forum in collaboration with the POJK Youth Forum at the Kashmiri Cultural Centre in New Delhi, the Minister said India’s national security strategy has undergone a decisive transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shifting from a reactive approach to one marked by preparedness, resolve and decisive action against external aggression.
Describing Kargil Vijay Diwas as both a tribute to the bravery of the Armed Forces and a reaffirmation of national resolve, Dr. Singh said the victory symbolises the courage of Indian soldiers and the country’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He said the lessons of the 1999 Kargil conflict continue to remain relevant as India faces evolving security challenges that require constant vigilance and national unity.
Reflecting on the historical context, Dr. Singh said the Kargil conflict could not be viewed in isolation but must be seen in the backdrop of India’s Partition. Calling Partition “the greatest blunder of history”, he said it led to large-scale human suffering, displacement and decades of hostility, including the wars of 1947, 1965, 1971 and the Kargil conflict, besides sustained cross-border terrorism and proxy warfare. He also referred to the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits as one of the gravest humanitarian tragedies in independent India.
Highlighting changes in India’s security doctrine over the past decade, the Minister said the government adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, strengthened border management and replaced a reactive security approach with a proactive strategy capable of responding decisively to external threats.
He said the strengthened security framework has enhanced national confidence while reinforcing India’s ability to protect its territorial integrity.
Speaking on Jammu and Kashmir’s development, Dr. Singh said peace and development have reinforced each other, resulting in significant transformation across the Union Territory. He cited key infrastructure projects, including railway connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, the Chenab Rail Bridge, AIIMS institutions, irrigation projects and other development initiatives that have improved public welfare and strengthened confidence among citizens.
The Minister also highlighted India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, stating that the country has expanded indigenous defence production, developed advanced strategic capabilities and emerged as a significant exporter of defence equipment.
Referring to developments across the Line of Control, Dr. Singh said the pace of development in Jammu and Kashmir has inspired people living in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Recalling the unanimous Parliamentary Resolution of 1994, he reiterated that there is no issue between India and Pakistan except the retrieval of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which, he said, is an integral part of India.
Paying tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the Kargil War, the Minister called upon the younger generation to draw inspiration from their courage, patriotism and sacrifice. He said the spirit of Kargil continues to motivate every Indian to work towards building a stronger, secure, self-reliant and developed nation while remaining committed to preserving India’s unity, sovereignty and national interests.
