PoK decision should have been taken during 1971 war: Rajnath Singh PoK issue should have been decided during 1971 Indo-Pak war: Rajnath Singh

Shimla: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Kashmir)PoK) should have been decided during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Singh made the remarks while addressing a function in honor of the families of martyrs at Badoli in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Singh said, “We recently celebrated the golden jubilee of victory in the 1971 war. That 1971 war will be remembered in history as that war was fought for humanity in return for property, possession or power.” He said, “There is only one regret. The decision on PoK should have been taken at that time.

‘India is one of the world’s top 25 defense exporters’

Singh also participated in a similar program at Nadaun in Hamirpur district. The Defense Minister, in Kangra, underlined the progress made by the Centre’s determination to make the country ‘self-reliant’ and the measures taken to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. “Earlier, India was known as a defense importer. Today, it is one of the world’s top 25 defense exporters. Defense exports, which were around Rs 900 crore eight years ago, have now crossed Rs 13,000 crore. We expect defense exports to reach Rs 35,000 crore by 2025 and meet the target of Rs 2.7 lakh crore set for 2047.

‘India should not make the mistake of thinking of a war-fearing country’
Singh said that India has never attacked any country nor has it occupied an inch of foreign land. He assured the nation that if any attempt is made to disturb the harmony in India, it will be given a befitting reply. He said, “India is a peace loving country, but it should not be mistaken for a coward or a war fearer. At a time when we were dealing with COVID-19, we faced tension along the northern border with China. The courage of our soldiers during the Galwan incident proved that no matter how great the might, India will never bow down.

‘The doors of NDA have been opened for girls’
The Defense Minister said that the creation of the post of ‘Chief of Defense Staff’ and establishment of the Department of Military Affairs are some of the major steps taken to strengthen national security. “The doors of the National Defense Academy (NDA) have been opened for girls while women are being given permanent commission in the armed forces. We have also given approval for deployment of women on warships,” she said. Singh emphasized that the government is building a ‘New India’, which will give a sense of security and confidence to all our peace-loving friendly countries and will dust off the ill-intentioned.

He said about the surgical strikes of 2016 and Balakot air strikes of 2019 that India’s new strategy against terrorism has broken his back, which try to hurt the unity and integrity of the country. Singh said, “When the dark clouds of war hover and national interests are attacked, it is the soldiers who respond to that attack and defend the country. It is the supreme sacrifice of heroes that keeps people alive.