Befitting reply along LoC, IB sent Pak running to UN: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said India’s response to cross-border firing along the international border and LoC in Jammu & Kashmir was so strong that it sent Pakistan scurrying to the UN seeking intervention.
Speaking to reporters in Kolkata on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Modi government, Singh said, “When there were cross-border firings during the UPA regime, white flags were shown. But, we gave Pakistan such strong reply that they had to appeal to the UN to intervene.”
About alleged display of Pakistan flags in Kashmir recently, Singh said, “We will not allow anyone to shout ‘Pakistan zindabad’ slogans in this country.”
He stressed that Article 370 of the Constitution, that grants special status to Jammu & Kashmir, is on BJP’s agenda.
“However, for the first time BJP has got the chance to be part of a state government in J&K. Let there be development. Whatever we do, we will do it by taking the people of J&K in confidence,” said Singh.
About rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, he said, “We have allocated funds for their rehabilitation. We have already spoken to the J&K chief minister. He told us that land will be provided.”
Commenting on the recent controversy about 1993 Mumbai blast mastermind Dawood Ibrahim where the Centre had said it had no idea where the don was, Singh said, “On Dawood, I will only say we have not shut our eyes on him. However, there international compulsion, too.”
Amid the continuing tussle between the Centre and the AAP-led Delhi government, Singh assured there would be no interference and that everyone should work within the constitutional framework.
Singh’s comments assume significance, especially, after the AAP government moved a resolution in the Assembly against the Modi government’s notification giving “absolute” powers to the Lt governor on posting of senior bureaucrats and restraining the anti-corruption bureau from probing central government employees. Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia said the Centre’s notification violated the Constitution.
Singh said, “Everybody should work within the constitutional provisions. And, I would like to add that Delhi government has been elected by the people and the central government will not create any hurdles in the functioning of Delhi government. We will fully cooperate with them.”
Singh said the Narendra Modi government believes in constructive and cooperative federalism.
At a rally in Kolkata, Singh defended Modi’s foreign trips. “A lot of things are said about Narendra Modi’s foreign visits. I will request my friends in the media to look into the number of foreign visits of other PMs and Modiji, and you will see the difference,” said Singh.
He said when then PM Manmohan Singh visited foreign countries, there was nothing which was either new or worthy of attention. “But during Modiji’s visit to foreign nations, whether its Madison Square Garden in the US or Australia, lakhs of people came out to welcome him,” said Singh.
He advised Congress leaders and workers to feel proud as Indians instead of criticising Modi’s visit. Singh also mocked Rahul Gandhi’s “sabbatical”. “Modiji went to foreign nations for to attract investments and for the country’s sake. He did not go to foreign country to enjoy holidays,” said Singh.
Source: TOI
