Committed to implementing Parliament resolution about retrieving PoK: Rajnath Singh

SRINAGAR — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while castigating the Pakistan government for “resorting to torture and harassment” of people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), on Thursday said that India is committed to implementing the 1994 resolution passed in the Parliament about retrieving the part of Kashmir “under illegal occupation of Pakistan.”

Addressing the Infantry Day function in Srinagar, Singh, as per the news agency KNO, said that India feels the pain of every citizen of PoK where torture and harassment are regular features. “Pakistan government is sowing the seeds of hatred in PoK and time is not far when people will resort to mass rebellion there,” Singh said.

He said that India is committed to implementing the resolution passed in the Parliament about retrieving Kashmir under illegal occupation of Pakistan including Gilgit and Baltistan. “People of PoK are being deprived of all basic rights and we are fully aware of it,” he said.

October 27 is observed as Infantry Day (Shaurya Diwas) in Budgam Landing Enactment on this day at Srinagar airport. The Army on this day fought Pakistani invaders and pushed them back.

He said the dream of Sardar Valabhai Patel will be fulfilled when all refugees of 1947 will get their land and homes back. “And I assure you that day will come….,” Singh said. Pertinently, the Indian Parliament resolution on February 22, 1994, demanded that Pakistan must vacate part of Kashmir under its illegal occupation.

He said that post Article 370 revocation, J&K is marching towards success, peace, and prosperity. “Before rolling back Article 370, Kashmiri society was divided into segments, but post-August 5, 2019, all sections of society are collectively marching towards success and prosperity,” Singh said, adding that “this was just a beginning.”

He said the revocation of Article 370 started a new beginning in J&K. “People of J&K reposed great hope and supported the full integration of J&K with the Union of India. J&K and Ladakh UTs are flourishing with every section of society getting their due rights,” he said.

He said in 1947, the Indian Army gave a befitting reply to enemies who tried to play mischief by occupying Kashmir illegally. “I pray great tributes to the Infantry regiments of the Indian Army who offered supreme sacrifices by pushing the invaders back,” said Singh.

He said the Infantry Day reminds “us to renew our pledge to root out our enemies and protect the country’s sovereignty.” Singh hailed the soldiers for their valor and commitment to protecting the borders and taking the country to new heights.