Rajnath Singh urges PoK residents to join India, cites Pak lawyer's affidavit: ‘We consider you…’

Defence minister Rajnath Singh said unlike Pakistan, India considers the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as their own and urged them to join India.

Updated on: Sep 8, 2024, 18:00:22 IST

By HT News Desk

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday urged residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to join India, saying they are considered "our own" unlike in Pakistan, where they are treated as "foreigners."

Defence minister Rajnath Singh addressed a public rally in the Ramban area of Jammu on Sunday. (PTI /File)

During an election rally in the Ramban constituency of Jammu and Kashmir, Rajnath Singh appealed to the people to support the BJP to bring about further development in J&K, suggesting that this progress would be so evident that the people of PoK would prefer to join India.

"Support the BJP to form the next government in J-K so that we can facilitate massive development in the region. There will be so much development that the people in PoK on seeing this should say that we do not want to live with Pakistan and instead will go to India," the defence minister said.

Also Read | J&K election: Omar Abdullah reacts to Amit Shah's 'revival of terrorism' warning

Singh referred to a recent affidavit filed by Pakistan’s additional solicitor general which stated that PoK was foreign territory.

"I want to tell PoK residents that Pakistan considers you foreigners, but the people in India do not consider you so. We consider you our own and so come and join us," he said.

The senior BJP leader came down heavily on the National Conference-Congress alliance over its poll promise of restoring Article 370 and said it is impossible as long as the BJP is there.

Also Read | J&K elections: BJP needs to fight public perception in the Valley, not just fight with proxies

Singh also accused them of fearmongering over the abrogation of Article 370.

"We did it boldly and nothing had happened".

Election in Jammu and Kashmir

The defence minister's election rally in support of BJP candidate Rakesh Singh Thakur followed Union home minister Amit Shah visit to the region, where he unveiled the BJP's election manifesto and met with party leaders.

Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 8.

There are a total number of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 7 seats are reserved for SCs and 9 seats are reserved for STs.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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