Stop terrorism, destroy terror launch pads: Rajnath warns Pak

Jammu, Jan 14: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday asked Pakistan to stop sponsoring terrorism and dismantle terrorists’ training camp and launch-pads inside and along PoK or be ready to face “consequences” - nature of which he did not spell out.

This – a kind of “open-ended” warning to Pakistan- was the high spot of the Defence Minister’s address to the gathering in the event celebrating 9th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day at Tanda Artillery Brigade, Akhnoor in Jammu.

Tone and tenor of his “forewarning” was unambiguous. However, he chose to leave a wider scope for conjecturing with regard to “consequential Indian reaction to Pak’s despicable acts” by literally spelling it (reaction) as “...dot...dot…dot.”

“Land of PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) is being used to run dangerous and treacherous business of terrorism. Today I want to convey this in explicit terms that even today, training camps for terrorists are being run there. Launch pads have been established in the areas (of PoK) along the borders. We have authentic information about it. The Government of India is fully cognisant of it (happenings there). Pakistan must put an end to it (its dangerous game-plan) and stop its despicable acts, otherwise …dot, dot, dot,” this was how the Defence Minister finished his sentence verbatim.

Reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir was incomplete without Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), he reaffirmed the steadfast approach of the government led by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to end “Dil Ki Dooriyaan” between J&K and the rest of the country.

“Abrogation of Article 370 was a crucial step to bridge this distance,” Rajnath said.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar; Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Rana; Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma, MP Jugal Kishore, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo besides other senior civil and military officers attended the event.

GOVT BRIDGING DISTANCE BETWEEN J&K, OTHER PARTS OF COUNTRY

The Defence Minister described the occasion as momentous as he said, “The Veterans’ Day, being celebrated at Akhnoor, is a testament to the fact that Jammu & Kashmir has been, is and will always remain an integral part of India. This has been unfortunate that previous governments in the past several decades, knowingly or unknowingly; intentionally or unintentionally, have treated Kashmir differently thus deepening alienation among our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. I don’t want to go deeper into those chapters of history.”

“However, I want to assert that those dark days of the past are gone. Biggest priority for our government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and its unwavering resolve is to bridge the distance between J&K and the rest of the country. On this account, I want to greet the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Sahib for taking such steps in this direction. For our government, Akhnoor or (any part of) Kashmir is at par with Delhi. For us, every part is equal and dear to us,” he said.

STRATEGIC ADVANTAGES GAINED IN 1965 WAR LOST ON DIALOGUE TABLE

The Defence Minister added that 2025 was the diamond jubilee year of the 1965 Indo-Pak war and India’s victory was the result of the valour and sacrifice of the Armed Forces.

“Pakistan has lost every war it fought with India, whether it was the attack in 1948, the war of 1965, the war of 1971 or the Kargil war of 1999. Pakistan has been promoting infiltration and terrorism since 1965 and has tried to influence the local population in J&K. But the people here have always rejected Pak intentions. I’m convinced it will never succeed, even in the future also. To protect the country, our many valorous Muslim soldiers also laid down their lives. Who can forget the sacrifice of Mohd Usman,” Rajnath recalled.

TERRORISTS’ INFILTRATION ROUTES WOULD HAVE CLOSED, HAD HAJI PIR NOT RETURNED

Rajnath stated that Pakistan, however, continued its nefarious designs despite its repeated failures.

“Pakistan still resorts to terrorism. Even today, over 80 percent of terrorists who come to India are from there (Pakistan). The terrorism would have ended in 1965 only, had the then government not turned the strategic advantages gained on the battlefield into disadvantages during dialogue following war,” Defence Minister shared his concern.

“This is not an allegation. But I don’t want to go into the reasons behind those decisions (losing strategic advantages on the dialogue table). In 1965, Indian forces succeeded in hoisting Tricolour at Haji Pir. But it (Haji Pir) was returned following dialogue. Had it not returned, probably the infiltration routes of terrorists would have been closed then and there,” he said.

SITUATION IMPROVED AFTER ARTICLE 370 ABROGATION

The Defence Minister asserted that to correct historic wrongs, Article 370 was abrogated. “The situation on ground has significantly improved since the abrogation of Article 370. Everyone would have to admit that,” he said.

PoK CROWN JEWEL OF INDIA; J&K INCOMPLETE WITHOUT IT

Describing Pakistan occupied Kashmir as the “crown jewel of India”, he said that for Pakistan, it was nothing more than a foreign territory.

“J&K is incomplete without PoK. The people living there are being deprived of a dignified life. Efforts are being made by Pakistan to mislead and provoke them against India in the name of religion. Pakistan will have to put an end to its nefarious designs,” he said.

“Recently PoK’s “illegal" Prime Minister Anwarul Haq spewed venom against India. That is part of Pakistan’s conspiracy. What he has stated, that anti-agenda has been pursued by the Pakistan rulers since Gen Zia-ul Haq’s tenure,” Defence Minister stated.

NATION TO REMAIN INDEBTED TO ARMED FORCES FOREVER

Rajnath asserted that the nation would forever remain indebted to the Armed Forces, adding, “Every Indian holds deep respect for the gallant soldiers. This respect for the soldiers is ingrained in the values of the country as they sacrifice everything to protect the nation's integrity and sovereignty.”

“The conduct of multiple Veterans’ Day events is one such way to show that respect,” he said, while recalling the sacrifices made by Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ashfaq-ullah, Brigadier Usman and all those who laid down their lives for the country.

The Defence Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment towards the welfare of the veterans, serving soldiers and their families. Terming it as a top priority, he assured that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) would always work beyond its capacity to ensure the well-being of its soldiers, who remained as the assets to the country even after retirement.

He enumerated the steps taken by MoD, underlining, “The Government stands with the soldiers of the country at every step.”

He, in particular, mentioned about the new initiative of “Mobile medical units” for delivery of medicines at the door steps of the ex-servicemen and their families.

“It may take some time yet instructions have been issued to do it as early as possible,” the Defence Minister said.

Director, War Wounded Foundation; Director, Directorate of Indian Army Veterans; around 1000 veterans (ex-servicemen) and representatives of various ex-servicemen organisations attended the event.

Earlier at the very outset, the Defence Minister described it as a heartening experience to be amongst the veterans on their Special Day. “I extend greetings to all on the occasion of “New Year”, being celebrated across India with different nomenclature, and Makar Sankranti. It is said that the pious festival of Makar Sankranti should be celebrated with the family. I’m happy that I’m celebrating it with my larger family (Armed Forces’ veterans),” he stated.

Mentioning about the Jia Pota Ghat and its historic significance, Rajnath also referred to the glorious and spiritual past of Akhnoor dating back to Mahabharat era, which was depicted in the heritage museum inaugurated by him. He lauded the valour and resilience of Akhnoor residents, confronting the challenges of border areas with unwavering patriotic spirit.

The Defence Minister interacted with the ex-servicemen and expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces personnel, both retired and serving, for their selfless service towards protecting the borders with unmatched bravery, dedication, sacrifice and patriotism.

The ninth Armed Forces Veterans’ Day was celebrated at multiple locations across the country on January 14, 2025. Veterans’ rallies and wreath laying ceremonies were organised at a number of places, including Jammu, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, Bareilly, Jaipur and Siliguri to pay respects to the ex-servicemen for their selfless duty and reinforce solidarity towards the Next of Kin of these brave-hearts.

As part of the event, Rajnath Singh hoisted a 108-feet high National Flag and inaugurated ‘Akhnoor Heritage Museum.’

The museum is a tribute to the rich history and culture of the region. Located on NH-144A connecting Jammu to Poonch, the museum showcases the rich history and legacy of the region.

Certain mobility equipment in terms of motorised wheelchairs, tri scooters, scooters and auto rickshaws were handed over to the ex-servicemen on the occasion.

More than 40 stalls and help desks of various Records Offices, Defence and Government Welfare Organisations, banks and employment agencies were established at the venue for in-situ grievance redressal and awareness.