‘We consider you our own’: Rajnath Singh urges PoK residents to join India amid election rally in Jammu and Kashmir – India News

During an election rally in Ramban, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called on residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to consider joining India. “We consider you our own,” he stated, contrasting India’s approach with Pakistan’s treatment of PoK residents as “foreigners.” Singh’s appeal comes after Pakistan’s additional solicitor general referred to PoK as foreign land, a move Singh condemned while reiterating India’s inclusive stance.

Singh highlighted the remarkable improvement in Jammu and Kashmir’s security since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. He pointed out that while youths once carried weapons, they now wield laptops and computers, symbolising the region’s transformation. He credited the BJP-led government’s efforts for ensuring peace, stating, “Nobody dares to fire bullets at people in Srinagar today.”

Criticism of opposition and Article 370 debate

The senior BJP leader criticised the National Conference-Congress alliance for its promise to restore Article 370. Singh called it an “impossible” pledge as long as the BJP remains in power, insisting that the move had strengthened security and unity across the region.

Promises of development and progress

Singh urged voters to support the BJP to form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir, promising unprecedented development. He envisioned a future where the progress in J&K would inspire PoK residents to join India, rather than remain with Pakistan. Singh praised the people of J&K as hardworking and skilled, asserting that under BJP leadership, the region would emerge as a modern state.

Recalling his tenure as home minister, Singh spoke of efforts to bring peace to the region, including attempts to engage with the Hurriyat Conference. Despite these initiatives, he noted the resistance from separatist leaders but emphasised the government’s commitment to justice, especially for women, weaker sections, and refugees.

Projecting J&K as a tourism hub

Singh also touted the successful G20 event in Srinagar as a symbol of Kashmir’s transformation from a “terrorism hotspot” to a “tourism hotspot.” The government, he said, is focusing on infrastructure development, including road and rail connectivity, with an emphasis on developing border villages.

Singh wrapped up his speech by reiterating the BJP’s commitment to rehabilitating Kashmiri migrant Pandits and turning Jammu and Kashmir into a modern, prosperous state, as outlined in the party’s election manifesto.

With inputs from PTI 

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