Owais Gul
SRINAGAR: The operation all-out in Kashmir will continue as the militancy in the Valley will be wiped out soon, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said today.
Singh was on a day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Accompanied by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) in Chief Northern Command Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, Defene Minister visited Kargil War Memorial at Dras today.
Singh commenced his visit by laying a wreath in memory of the slain of Operation Vijay at the Kargil War Memorial, which was followed by observing of one minute silence as a mark of respect for the fallen heroes.
Talking to reporters in Jammu, Singh said that there is no doubt that the militancy in Kashmir will be wiped out soon and people will feel relax from the militancy. Singh appealed people to pin hope on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that everything under his leadership besides with the work of forces will be fine. He added there will be peace in Jammu and Kashmir soon.
Meanwhile, Singh said that resolution of Kashmir issue is on the cards. “Kashmir issue will be resolved soon.” About talks with Hurriyat leadership, Singh recalled that how Hurriyat leaders did not open their doors for visiting members of the all-party delegation once led by him to the Valley.
“They (Hurriyat) closed the doors for talks and now it is up to them to decide now but resolution of Kashmir issue is bound to take place and no power on earth can stop it. If not through a dialogue then we know how it (Kashmir issue) has to be resolved,” he said.
Singh later inaugurated a 1,000 meters long bridge over river Ujh in border Kathua district. Constructed at a cost of Rs 50 crore, it is the longest ever bridge constructed by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) so far, Singh said, adding that it will end the sufferings of people.
Earlier, after laying a wreath in memory of the slain of Operation Vijay at Kargil, Singh subsequently visited the ‘Veer Bhoomi’ and the ‘Hut of Remembrance’ which are co-located in the Memorial premises.
During his visit, Singh was briefed on Operation Vijay including the actions of the Indian troops in thwarting the evil designs of the enemy in the Dras, Kargil and Batalik Sectors.
As part of the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Singh dedicated a ‘Memory Lane’ which displays information on a few important battles.
The ‘Memory Lane’ recapitulates the gallant deeds of the brave Indian Army Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Jawans who fought against all odds to rid the Indian territory of enemy intruders.
Subsequently, Lieutenant General YK Joshi, General Officer Commanding Fire & Fury Corps, himself a veteran of Operation VIJAY, briefed the Raksha Mantri at Lamochan View Point on various battles that took place during the Kargil War in 1999.
Singh also took the opportunity to share a cup of tea and interact with the soldiers presently deployed in the Sector. He appreciated the dedication of the troops who are defending the borders, in these challenging conditions and conveyed the appreciation of the Nation to the Indian Army, for always keeping ‘Nation First’.