Srinagar, June 16 ( UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said Pakistan was continuously trying to disturb the peace in the country through its policy of thousand cuts but the valour of country’s security forces was such that anybody trying to bleed it will bleed itself.
Rajnath arrived in Jammu and Kashmir today for a two day visit. He visited forward areas of J&K to take stock of the security situation along the border. Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi and other top officers accompanied him.
“Our neighbour has always resorted to anti-India activities. The state also witnessed terror activities in the past. Due to the relentless efforts of the personnel of Armed Forces, BSF, CRPF & J&K Police, there has been a significant decline in the number of terror activities in the state recently,” Defence minister told soldiers in North Kashmir.
“Pakistan continuously tries to disturb peace in the country through its approach of bleed India with a thousand cuts. But, our security forces are such a protective shield for this country that whoever tries to break it, bleeds himself. The Nation has immense faith in our forces who are always ready to deal with any situation.”
The Defence Minister said India is a peace-loving country, which has given the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the whole world is one family) to the world.
“We have never tried to hurt any country in any way, nor have we tried to capture even an inch of anyone’s land. He, however, assured the Nation that if an attempt is ever made to hurt the unity and integrity of the Nation, the Armed Forces will give a befitting reply,” he said.
The minister exuded confidence that armed forces will face the future challenges with full strength and their valour and dedication will build a golden future of the country.
Rajnath recollected the sacrifices of Chander Shekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, Khudi Ram Bose and Ishfaq Ullah Khan for the freedom of country, emphasising how Khan was wedded to the cause.
“At 21, Ishfaq Ullah Khan’s mother would urge him to get married but he would somehow avoid it. When he was sentenced to death after killing British his magistrate asked him ahead of his hanging his last wish will be fulfilled,” he said.
“He told magistrate to tell his mother that her son was fulfilling her marriage wish (by kissing the gallows). This is the national pride that motivates you to give sacrifices for the country.”
Later, Defence Minister interacted with the personnel of armed forces, BSF, CRPF and Police, praising them for their “indomitable courage and dedication to serve the country.”
Officials said Defence Minister will review security preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.
The visit of the defence minister has come amid the situation which has arisen following the spate of targeted killings in the valley. The Kashmiri Pandits who have been posted in the valley under the PM package have refused to join the duties after members of the Pandit community were targeted in the valley.
UNI MJR SY