Commends efforts of CM Omar Abdullah towards improving Delhi, J&K relations
Jammu Tawi: Describing Pakistan occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) as the “crown jewel of India” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without the PoJK.
Speaking at the 9th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day event here Singh, according to the news agency said, “PoJK is the crown jewel of India, which is nothing more than a foreign territory to Pakistan.”
“J&K is incomplete without PoJK. The people living there are being deprived of a dignified life. Efforts are being made by Pakistan to mislead and provoke them against India in the name of religion,” the Defence Minister said, adding, “PoJK’s land is being used for terrorism. Training camps for terrorists are running and launch pads have been built in the areas adjacent to the border. The Indian government is well aware of the situation. Pakistan will have to put an end to its nefarious designs.”
He accused Pakistan of trying to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir. “Dismantle terror camps or face consequences…” Singh said, adding, “Over 80% of terrorists entering India come from Pakistan.”
“The war between India and Pakistan was fought in Akhnoor in 1965. India succeeded in thwarting the efforts of the Pakistani Army. Pakistan has been promoting illegal infiltration and terrorism since 1965. Cross-border terrorism would have ended in 1965 itself, but the then Central Government was unable to convert the tactical advantage gained in the war into a strategic advantage,” he said.
DELHI-J&K RELATIONS
Commenting on relations between New Delhi and J&K Government, the Defence Minister said, “Our government’s top priority is to remove the gap between Kashmir and the rest of India. J&K CM Omar Abdullah is taking steps in this direction,” he said.
Singh said that the efforts are underway to minimise the distance between the hearts of people of J&K and Delhi.
He said, “Army veterans have always defeated the enemies during the war to safeguard the country. Pakistan has always been defeated by our soldiers (veterans) be it in 1948, 1965, 1971 or 1999 war.”
Talking about the Veterans’ Day celebrations, Singh remarked, “Akhnoor holds the same importance for us as Delhi.”
The Defence Minister added that 2025 is the diamond jubilee year of the 1965 Indo-Pak war, and India’s victory was the result of the valour & sacrifice of the armed Forces.
Terming it as a top priority, he assured that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will always work beyond its capacity to ensure the well-being of its soldiers, who remain as the assets to the country even after retirement.
HOISTS 108-FEET HIGH NATIONAL FLAG
As part of the event, Rajnath Singh hoisted a 108-feet high National Flag and inaugurated ‘Akhnoor Heritage Museum’.
The museum is a tribute to the rich history and culture of the region. Located on NH144A connecting Jammu to Poonch, the museum showcases the rich history and legacy of the region.
Certain mobility equipment in terms of Motorised Wheelchairs, Tri Scooters, Scooters and Auto Rickshaws were handed over to the ex-servicemen on the occasion.
More than 40 stalls/help desks of various records offices, defence & government welfare organisations, banks & employment agencies were established at the venue for in-situ grievance redressal and awareness.
The Defence Minister led the celebrations by addressing around 1,000 ex-servicemen during an event at Tanda Artillery Brigade, Akhnoor in Jammu. He interacted with the ex-servicemen and expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces personnel, both retired & serving, for their selfless service towards protecting the borders with unmatched bravery, dedication, sacrifice and patriotism. Speaking in Akhnoor, Singh warned Pakistan to take concrete action against terrorism that continues to thrive on its soil.
The ninth Armed Forces Veterans’ Day was celebrated at multiple locations across the country on January 14, 2025. Veterans’ rallies and wreath laying ceremonies were organised at a number of places, including Jammu, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, Bareilly, Jaipur and Siliguri to pay respects to the ex-servicemen for their selfless duty and reinforce solidarity towards the Next of Kin of these bravehearts—(KNO).
Martyr’s house a sacred temple, says LG Sinha
Jammu, Jan 14: Terming a martyr’s house as a “sacred temple” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that soldiers protecting the borders are the guarantee of security and development of the nation.
Speaking on the occasion of the Armed Forces Veterans Day, here LG Sinha, according to the news agency said, “A martyr’s house is a sacred temple. This feeling and respect should be there in the minds of common man. Administration and society can express their gratitude to those who sacrificed everything for the country by fulfilling their responsibilities and ensuring that they live a life of comfort and dignity.”
“It is the collective responsibility of the society to take concrete measures for the welfare of soldiers and veterans,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor said, “I bow my head in gratitude to all the veterans, valiant jawans, veer naris and families of our armed forces’ brave-hearts. We will forever remain indebted to our veterans who protected the nation from the enemies and continue to contribute to the country’s growth and development.”
LG Sinha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for dedicating Veterans’ Day to honour the distinguished service of the ex-servicemen. He reiterated the government’s commitment to protect the interests of armed-forces personnel and their families.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the blessed land of Akhnoor bears the indelible footprints of the valour and saga of courage of our veterans.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa.
Two-minute silence was observed in the honour of martyrs of the Armed Forces. Mobility aids like motorised wheelchairs, retrofitted scooties were distributed to the veterans and veer naris.
Govt committed for welfare of Army Veterans: CM Omar
Jammu, Jan 14: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said his government remained steadfast in its efforts to ensure that all benefits for Army veterans are delivered promptly and without hindrance.
This assurance was reiterated by the Chief Minister during his address at the Ninth Armed Forces Veterans’ Day celebration in Akhnoor, Jammu, where he paid tribute to the selfless contributions of the nation’s veterans.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of veterans, ensuring their welfare and strengthening the bond between servicemen and the administration.
He stated, “Taking care of you is not a favour—it is our duty. Your immense contributions deserve nothing less than our utmost respect, gratitude and support. The Jammu and Kashmir government will continue its efforts to ensure that all benefits are provided through ex-servicemen welfare schemes without delay and hindrance.”
He also called upon veterans to voice any concerns or gaps in the system so they can be promptly addressed.
Addressing the gathering of ex-servicemen and their families, who participated in the 9th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day held at Tanda Artillery Brigade, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude
and emphasized the critical role of veterans in safeguarding the country’s freedom and peace.
Highlighting the unparalleled commitment of veterans, Omar Abdullah acknowledged their courage and dedication, stating, “You put the nation above everything else, setting aside your personal well-being and dreams for the greater good. While you protected our borders, you also gave us the priceless gift of peace. It is because of your service that we sleep soundly at night, knowing that our country is in safe hands.”
Abdullah assured the gathering, “We will always stand by you. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten, and we pledge to support you in every possible way. You have done your duty to the nation with honor; now it is our turn to do ours.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh earlier hoisted a 108-feet tall national flag and inaugurated a heritage museum in the Akhnoor belt of Jammu.
He was accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Chief of Defence Staff and senior officers.
