Jammu:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated today that India is ready to embrace Pakistan and engage in dialogue, but only if Pakistan guarantees that it will cease promoting terrorism on Indian soil. His remarks came during a series of poll rallies held in the districts of Rajouri, Poonch, and Jammu, where he emphasized the need for Hindu-Muslim unity for the country’s progress.
In a strong message directed at the National Conference (NC), Congress, and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Singh accused these parties of acting as “proxies of Pakistan” and asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would not permit anyone to advance Islamabad’s “impure agenda” in Jammu and Kashmir.
“NC and PDP are advocating dialogue with Pakistan, a nation that is aiding and abetting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Terrorism and dialogue cannot coexist. However, if Pakistan guarantees an end to terrorism, we are ready to embrace it and initiate talks,” Singh declared.
The Defence Minister also condemned Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, noting that it has claimed thousands of lives in Jammu and Kashmir, with 80% of the victims being Muslims. He criticized Pakistan’s interference in India’s internal affairs, referencing recent remarks by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who claimed that Pakistan and the NC-Congress alliance are aligned on the restoration of Article 370.
Singh ridiculed Pakistan for its economic woes, highlighting that the country is seeking a $7 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)—an amount smaller than the package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Jammu and Kashmir.
“Pakistan, which has become an international brand of poverty and destitution, cannot manage its own affairs but meddles in India’s internal matters,” Singh said, stressing that terrorism would be eradicated from Jammu and Kashmir. He added that the Union Territory has suffered due to terrorism for three decades, but the BJP is determined to build a “new Jammu and Kashmir.”
Singh also praised the BJP government’s achievements, noting the restoration of peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. He criticized opposition parties for attempting to mislead the public on issues such as statehood and restoration of Article 370.
“Prime Minister Modi has already promised to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, and no power can bring back Article 370,” Singh said. He accused the Congress, NC, and PDP of dividing the country on religious lines and stated that progress can only be achieved through unity between Hindus and Muslims.
Singh also addressed the ongoing assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing out that Pakistani refugees and members of the Valmiki Samaj will be voting for the first time in seven decades. He credited the BJP for ensuring justice for these and other deprived populations, including Scheduled Tribes, who were granted reservation in the Assembly.
Highlighting the improved situation in the Union Territory, Singh said there has not been a single incident of stone-pelting since 2022. He also lauded the participation of the people in the first phase of the assembly elections, which saw a record 61% voter turnout—the highest in 30 years.
Singh underscored the BJP’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s pride and condemned previous rulers for keeping the region backward through divisive politics. He reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is now known as a tourism capital, not a hub of terrorism.
In a broader discussion, Singh touched on India’s progress, including its growing self-reliance in the manufacture of defense equipment and the country’s aim to become the third-largest economy by 2027. He took a dig at opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of defaming India during his recent visit to the United States, and emphasized the BJP’s focus on unity and nation-building.
The Defence Minister concluded his remarks by reaffirming that the BJP is the only party capable of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s lost glory and taking it forward into a prosperous future. He stressed that the party is committed to fulfilling its promises and upholding its credibility, which he described as the “biggest asset” in politics.
