Srinagar, Oct 27: Hinting out at Pakistan, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said some areas illegally occupied by Pakistan and India aims to reclaim the remaining parts of Kashmir such as Gilgit and Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Addressing the ‘Shaurya Diwas’ celebrations in Srinagar to commemorate the 75th year of air landing operations of Indian Army at Budgam Airport in 1947, Singh said, “Pakistan is fully responsible for inhuman incidents against innocent Indians in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).
“In the times to come, Pakistan will face the result of its atrocities,” he said.
“Our aim is to implement the resolution unanimously passed in the Indian Parliament on February 22, 1994, to reclaim remaining parts, such as Gilgit and Baltistan,” he added.
Singh said that today, the region of J&K and Ladakh is touching new heights of development.
“This is just the beginning.”
The Defense Minister said this day (‘Shaurya Diwas’) gives the nation an opportunity to remember the valour of the Bravehearts and inspires the people to take the country to greater heights with unity and dedication.
“We are moving forward with the spirit of unity. We must resolve to fight together against any divisive forces which may come in the way of our development in the future,” he said.
Lieutenant Governor of J&K Manoj Sinha, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande; GOC-in-C, Northern Command Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi; Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command Air Marshal S Prabhakaran; General Officer Commanding, 15 Corps Lieutenant General ADS Aujla, along with several other civil and military dignitaries attended the event.
Singh also paid rich tributes to the heroes of the Armed Forces and the people of J&K who laid down their lives to protect the unity and integrity of India.
“It is because of their valour and sacrifice that J&K remained an integral part of India and will continue to be in the future,” he said.
Singh also asserted that despite a number of stumbling blocks, India has risen time and again because of the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers. Today it is standing tall on the strong foundation laid by them, he said.
“The greatest glory is not in falling ever, but in rising every time we fall. The incident of 1947 is one such instance,” he said.
Singh recalled the valour of the first Param Vir Chakra recipient, Major Somnath Sharma, who despite being injured led a company and saved the Srinagar airfield from the enemy clutches.
He also paid tributes to the bravery of other Gallantry award winners including Brigadier Rajinder Singh and Lt Col Dewan Ranjit Rai, who gave away their lives to protect the motherland.
“Major Somnath Sharma and other heroes will always remain a source of inspiration for every Indian and the nation will forever be indebted to their sacrifices,” Singh said.
The Defense Minister also remembered former Chief Minister of Odisha Biju Patnaik, who as a pilot during the war, made a valuable contribution to the movement of the troops.
He commended the crucial role played by the people of J&K who helped Armed forces in forcing the enemies to retreat and protect the sovereignty of the country.
Singh termed the campaign of October 27, 1947 as the one for safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity as well as the safety of the people.
“It was a campaign to protect the dreams and aspirations of the people of J&K,” he said.
During the event, the replication of the historic event was organised to pay obeisance to the brave soldiers and people of J&K.
The event also depicted the arrival of the Indian Army on October 27, 1947 to evict the Pakistani Forces. A stunning airshow was organised by the Indian Air Force, which mesmerized the audience.
The next of kin of war veterans, who had travelled from across the country, were felicitated at the event.
