Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized India’s willingness to improve relations with Pakistan, provided that the neighboring country ceases its support for terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at an election rally in Banihal, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, Singh outlined India’s stance on restoring ties with Pakistan.
“India is ready to engage in dialogue with Pakistan, but only if they stop supporting terrorism,” said Singh. He added, “You can change a friend, but not your neighbor. We want improved relations with Pakistan, but they must first stop promoting terrorism.”
Singh made the remarks while campaigning for BJP candidate Mohd Saleem Bhat, who is contesting the Banihal seat in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections. The Defence Minister also underscored that a significant portion of the victims of terrorism in the region were Muslims. “I have been the Home Minister, and I know that 85% of those killed by terrorists were Muslims,” he said.
Singh further elaborated on India’s concerns regarding Pakistan’s support for terrorism. He cited how a political party backed by Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the founder of terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), had contested elections in Pakistan. Saeed is a UN-proscribed terrorist.
While Pakistan was previously placed on the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list, terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir saw a decline. Although Pakistan was later removed from the grey list, Singh reminded the audience that this did not absolve Pakistan from continued scrutiny regarding its actions.
Earlier in the day, Singh also addressed another rally in Ramban in support of BJP candidate Rakesh Singh Thakur. The elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases, with voting scheduled for September, and the counting of votes on October 8.
