Asks them to come & join India
Says no power on earth can bring back Art 370
Entire world focused on J&K elections
Promises that BJP will make J&K a model state
Kashmiri Pandits’ safe return a priority
JAMMU, Sept 08: The Union Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, on Sunday asserted that Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) will soon be part of India, emphasizing that India considers the people of PoJK as its own, unlike Pakistan, which treats them as foriegners.
Singh, while addressing a public rally at Ramban in support of BJP candidates of Chenab Valley, said that Jammu & Kashmir will be made the most developed state in the country. “The BJP government will create such an atmosphere in J&K so that people of PoJK say they want to be part of India,” he stated. Singh highlighted that Pakistan recently described PoK residents as “foreigners” in a court resolution presented by the Additional Solicitor General of Pakistan. “I want to tell them that the Government of India believes that people of PoK are Indian citizens,” Singh said. He added that the time is not far when the people of PoJK will raise their voices for integration with India.
The Defence Minister noted that J&K has progressed rapidly on the path of development since the abrogation of Article 370, with peace being established in the region. “We abrogated Article 370 openly and boldly, and no one can bring it back,” he declared, adding that the BJP will never allow its reinstatement. Singh criticized the National Conference and Congress for advocating the restoration of Article 370, vowing that “BJP will never let this happen.”
Rajnath Singh also mentioned the widespread interest in the upcoming J&K Assembly elections, noting that the entire world and the whole of India are keenly observing the process. “During my recent visit to the United States, I was asked about the J&K Assembly elections, and I told them that the BJP will form its government in J&K with a full majority,” he said. He highlighted the significant increase in voter turnout since the abrogation of Article 370, with the turnout in the 2024 Parliamentary elections reaching 58% in J&K and 72% in Ladakh, compared to the previous turnout of 6% to 12%.
Singh urged the people to give the BJP a chance to serve them for the next ten years, promising to transform J&K into the most developed state in the country. “You will see a new J&K if BJP comes to power here,” he assured. In an apparent reference to PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti, Singh dismissed fears that J&K would be engulfed in violence if Article 370 were abrogated. “We rolled it back, and not a single bullet was fired. Rather, a peaceful atmosphere is prevailing in the entire J&K,” he said.
Rajnath Singh also reiterated the Centre’s commitment to ensuring the safe and respectful return of Kashmiri Pandits.
Meanwhile, Singh criticised the National Conference, particularly its Vice President Omar Abdullah, for opposing the hanging of Afzal Guru. “What were we supposed to do with [Guru] then if we should not have hanged him?” he questioned.
