Rajnath Singh pointed out that some areas illegally occupied by Pakistan are still devoid of progress

Abrogation of Article 370 has brought a new era of peace and progress in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday.

He pointed out that some areas illegally occupied by Pakistan are still devoid of that progress.

He was addressing the ‘Shaurya Diwas’ celebrations in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir to commemorate the 75th year of air landed operations of Indian Army at Budgam Airport in 1947, which ensured the first civil-military victory of Independent India.

Singh said that earlier, some anti-India elements used to disturb peace and harmony in the name of religion, but now there is peace & tranquillity in Jammu & Kashmir due to the persistent efforts by the Government and the Armed Forces.

“Terrorists have no religion. They are the enemies of humanity. Any violation of fundamental rights of a human being is not acceptable in an ideal society. This has been our commitment," the Defence Minister said.

He pointed out that the doors of development & peace had now been opened in J&K and Ladakh, with the people of the two UTs reaping the benefits of the welfare schemes of Government of India. "There is unity among the people who are moving forward hand-in-hand,” Singh asserted.

Defence Minister Singh pointed out that some areas illegally occupied by Pakistan are still devoid of that progress.

“Pakistan is fully responsible for inhuman incidents against innocent Indians in PoK. In the times to come, Pakistan will face the result of its atrocities. Today, the region of J&K and Ladakh is touching new heights of development. This is just the beginning. Our aim is to implement the resolution unanimously passed in Indian Parliament on February 22, 1994 to reclaim remaining parts, such as Gilgit and Baltistan,” he said.

On October 27, 1947, the Indian Army was inducted by the Indian Air Force at Budgam Airport to evict Pakistani forces from Jammu & Kashmir, a day after the ‘Instrument of Accession’ was signed between Maharaja Hari Singh and Republic of India. The day is, hence, celebrated as ‘Infantry Day’.

Singh witnessed the re-enactment of history, covering the violation of ‘Standstill Agreement’ by Pakistan. The event also depicted arrival of Indian Army on October 27, 1947 to evict the Pakistani Forces. A spectacular airshow was organised by the Indian Air Force, which enthralled the audience. The Next of Kin of war veterans, who travelled from across the country, were felicitated at the event.