Srinagar, Nov 04 (KNO): Accusing Congress of failing to curb terror in Kashmir for decades, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, terrorists and their hideouts were crushed in Kashmir and Pakistan where their roots were.
Addressing a rally in Jamui district of Bihar, Singh, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Operation Sindoor’, launched after the terror attack is not over but only paused. India will retaliate again if terrorists attempt any further strikes.”
The Defence Minister said that the Congress Party failed to act against the terrorists for decades and allowed them to bleed the country. “In PM Modi’s rule terrorists and their masters have been taught a lesson,” he said, adding, "What Congress failed to do in Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi led government has done it," he added.
Recalling the Pahalgam terror attack, Singh said, “Some infiltrators entered quietly. They questioned people about their religion and then killed them. What followed needs no explanation. In Operation Sindoor, we dismantled the main hideouts involved both in Kashmir and Pakistan. The operation has not ended; it has only been paused. If such an attempt happens again, we will act decisively.”
He said the mission launched after the Pahalgam attack remains only on hold and will resume if necessary.
He said India’s image had changed globally. “India is no longer seen as a weak country. India is known as a powerful country now. Our reputation has grown in the international arena,” he said.
The Defence Minister said that India never initiates confrontation but will always respond firmly when provoked. “India does not provoke anyone. But if someone challenges us, we will respond in kind,” he said at the rally.
He took aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on introducing reservation in the armed forces. “What has happened to Rahul ji? He is now talking about reservation in the defence forces. Such statements only disturb peace and order. Our armed forces stand above these divisions,” Singh said.
Reacting further to Gandhi’s comments, Singh said the army functions with unity that transcends caste or religion. “A soldier has only one duty ‘Sainya Dharma’. There is no other identity beyond this. The Army should not be drawn into politics. Whenever India has faced a crisis, our soldiers have stood firm and brought pride to the nation,” he said—(KNO)