Jammu, Jan 14 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday described Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as the “crown jewel of India,” asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without it. He said PoK remains a foreign territory under Pakistan’s control, where people are deprived of a dignified life and misled in the name of religion.
Addressing Armed Forces Veterans’ Day celebrations at Tanda Artillery Brigade in Akhnoor, Singh highlighted Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism. “Training camps and launch pads operate near the border. Pakistan must put an end to its nefarious designs,” he stated.
He lauded the armed forces, acknowledging their sacrifices in defending the nation. He also noted that 2025 marks the diamond jubilee of the 1965 war, a testament to India’s military valour.
“Pakistan has lost every war against India—1948, 1965, 1971, and Kargil in 1999. Despite this, it continues to promote infiltration and terrorism. Over 80% of terrorists entering India originate from there,” he said. Singh stressed that the security situation has improved since the abrogation of Article 370.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to J&K, he stated, “Jammu and Kashmir has been and will always remain an integral part of India.” (KNS)
