Jammu and Kashmir incomplete without Pakistan-occupied Kashmir : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK: Rajnath Singh

Jammu and Kashmir incomplete without Pakistan-occupied Kashmir : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Jammu and Kashmir incomplete without Pakistan-occupied Kashmir : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speaks during the Armed Forces Veterans’ Day function, at Akhnoor, in Jammu district, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (PTI Photo)

Akhnoor, Jammu: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday issued a stern warning to Pakistan, accusing it of persistently attempting to destabilize India by sponsoring terrorism. Speaking at a veterans’ rally in the Akhnoor region, Singh emphasized that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir and must be reclaimed to complete India’s territorial sovereignty.

Referring to the role of PoK in terrorism, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the region has become a hub for terrorist activities. “The land of PoK is being used to run the business of terrorism. Even today, terrorist training camps are operational there. Launch pads have been established near the border, and the Indian government has concrete information about this and is fully aware of the situation,” he said.

“Pakistan must dismantle its terror infrastructure in PoK or face consequences. Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK. For Pakistan, PoK is nothing more than foreign territory,” Singh asserted in a direct message to Pakistan.

The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticized Pakistan’s rulers for exploiting the people of PoK in the name of religion to further their anti-India agenda. “The residents of PoK have been deprived of a dignified life. They deserve better, but their plight continues under Pakistan’s oppressive policies,” he added.

Singh also condemned the recent statements made by PoK Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq, terming them as a continuation of Pakistan’s long-standing anti-India rhetoric. He traced this hostility back to the era of General Zia-ul-Haq, when Pakistan institutionalized the use of religion as a political tool against India.

Reiterating India’s stance firmly on PoK, Singh called for international attention to the grievous exploitation and human rights violations in the area. “The international community must realize the truth about PoK and the challenges that people here face under Pakistan’s regime,” he concluded.

The rally, in which several military veterans were present, further reiterated India’s resolve to maintain peace and sovereignty and address the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism. Singh’s statements have once again brought the spotlight back on PoK, reiterating India’s resolve to reclaim the region as an integral part of the nation.