Jammu, May 04: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania on Sunday reaffirmed the nation’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
Pathania, who is also the BJP spokesperson, delivered a strong message during a series of public meetings in his constituency. Speaking at the inauguration of the Khubbani to Talmara road project in Jaganaoo, he asserted, “The spirit and sentiment of the people of India is clear — those who perpetrate terrorism or support terror activities on Indian soil will be dealt with sternly and decisively. ‘Shanti ke liye Shakti bhi Zaroori hai’ — peace must be backed by strength.”
The MLA said that terrorism poses a fundamental threat to India’s identity. “We must stand tall and united against this evil, and our response must be swift and uncompromising — whether on the ground, in policy, or through the process of the rule of law. The people of India, in their collective resolve, are not willing to tolerate even a shadow of terrorism or its sympathisers,” he said.
Addressing the specific challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, Pathania said the region has witnessed progress in development and normalisation, but attempts are being made to destabilise peace from across the border and through radical networks. “J&K is marching ahead on the path of peace and progress. The people of this region have suffered long enough. We must ensure that no anti-national element derails the hard-won gains of stability. National security and public safety will always remain our top priority,” he added.
On the development front, MLA Pathania inaugurated the Khuban to Nagain road, a significant infrastructure project valued at Rs 7.81 crores that will benefit nearly 1,000 local residents. He stressed the importance of a dual approach of “Vikas aur Suraksha” (Development and Security) as the foundation for progress in Jammu and Kashmir.
The public meetings saw participation from prominent local figures, including Gopal Singh Mankotia, Ashish Sharma, Mohanlal Sharma, Mohinder Sharma, Kuldeep Singh, Raman Khajuria, Manoj Verma, Surinder Singh, and Sunita Devi — all former Sarpanches — alongside a significant number of community members and supporters.
As part of his outreach to the farming community, a sensitisation program was organised at village Thanoa by the Department of Agriculture. Farmers were informed about the latest advancements in vegetable seed varieties, with a focus on non-conventional crops aimed at doubling their income. Pathania encouraged farmers to utilise weather control advisories effectively for healthy vegetable production and better land management, reiterating the government’s commitment to empowering the farming sector through innovation and support.
Pathania reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots development, national integrity and ensuring a secure future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
