Pakistan Calls PoK Residents ‘Foreigners,’ India Sees Them as Citizens: Rajnath Singh

GG News Bureau
Jammu, 9th Sept. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday that while Pakistan refers to the residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as “foreigners,” India considers them its own citizens.

Speaking at a BJP rally in Ramban district, Singh emphasized that India welcomes PoK residents and said they would choose to join India once a new government is formed in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

Addressing past political issues, Singh criticized former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his stance on Afzal Guru, questioning whether Abdullah wished Guru had been honored instead of executed. He reflected on the achievements of the BJP-led government in J&K, highlighting improvements in voter turnout, security, and development.

Singh noted the recent progress in J&K, including increased voter participation in the Lok Sabha elections and ongoing development projects such as railway links and infrastructure improvements. He emphasized the transformation in the region over the past decade, attributing this change to the BJP’s policies and leadership.

Singh also defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic record, citing India’s rise to the fifth-largest global economy and projecting further growth. He asserted that under BJP governance, J&K would become one of India’s most prosperous regions.

The Defence Minister promised additional initiatives, including completion of border fencing, distribution of free gas cylinders, and development of tourist destinations. He urged voters to support BJP candidate Rakesh Gupta, stressing the party’s commitment to J&K’s continued progress.

The J&K Assembly elections are set to be held in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, with results to be counted on October 8.