Rajnath Singh Emphasizes Equal Importance Of Delhi And Jammu & Kashmir

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated on Tuesday that the BJP-led central government views both Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir with equal importance. Speaking at the ninth Armed Forces Veterans’ Day program at Tanda Artillery Brigade in Akhnoor, Singh praised the efforts of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in bridging the emotional gap between the people of the region and Delhi.

Singh acknowledged that past governments had treated Kashmir differently, leading to a disconnect between the region and the rest of the country. However, he emphasized that the current government’s priority is to close this emotional divide. “Kashmir was treated differently in the past, and as a result, our brothers and sisters in the region could not connect with Delhi as they should have. I do not wish to dwell on the past, but our government’s biggest achievement has been working towards bridging the ‘Dil ki Doori’ between Kashmir and the rest of India,” Singh said.

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He further lauded Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his efforts in reducing this gap and fostering a sense of unity. “I congratulate Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for taking the right steps to help overcome the remaining gap,” Singh added.

The Defence Minister also took the opportunity to extend Makar Sankranti and New Year greetings to the veterans, stressing that the presence of the veterans at the event symbolized the government’s commitment to treating Jammu, Kashmir, and Delhi equally. “The presence of veterans here today proves that we are treating Akhnoor, and Kashmir, the same way as Delhi in our hearts,” Rajnath Singh remarked.

In his address, Singh paid tribute to war heroes, particularly Brigadier Usman, who played a key role in fighting off tribal invaders in 1947, forcing them to retreat. Singh also criticized Chaudhary Anwarul Haq, Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), for his anti-India remarks, reaffirming that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK.

During the visit, Singh, accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, was received by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and other senior officials. In a gesture of patriotism, the Defence Minister inaugurated a heritage museum and hoisted a 108-foot-tall National Flag in the Akhnoor border area.

The heritage museum showcases weapons used in various wars in Jammu and Kashmir and features sculptures honoring war heroes, providing a glimpse into the region’s military history.

The event marked a significant moment for the Defence Minister, as he reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the unity and integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India.