Nothing in Pakistan is beyond the reach of Indian Army: J-K LG Manoj Sinha
"Today, we are the fifth-largest economy in the world and want to become the fourth-largest economy in a few days. We are moving ahead with the dream of a developed India," he added. He accused Pakistan of being bent on "destroying humanity on the strength of debt"
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, on Saturday warned Pakistan that no part of the neighbouring country is beyond the reach of the Indian armed forces and, therefore, it should cease to harbour Islamic terrorists.
Mr. Sinha who was interacting with the Indian Army jawans and officers at a forward location along the Line of Control (LoC) in northwestern Kupwara district said that India’s military prowess has, once again, been globally recognized after a decisive victory over Pakistan during the recent escalation. He asserted that ‘Operation Sindoor’ showcased the Indian armed forces' unmatched reach and precision.
He said that the country is grateful to its armed forces for protecting the lives and ensuring the sanctity of its borders with alertness, dedication, bravery and supreme sacrifice. “The whole world has seen the bravery of the Indian armed forces, and then they (Pakistan) started pleading all over the world to secure a ceasefire,” he said, adding, “I am confident that in future too our jawans will firmly deal with any misadventure by the enemy.”
Mr. Sinha said that India does not want war and has consistently emphasized a desire for peace while maintaining a firm stance against terrorism. “We have never been in favour of war. We want to live in peace,” he said, adding that Pakistan must cease supporting terrorists and prevent its territory from being used as a base for attacks against India.
Speaking on the divergent paths the two countries have followed in economic growth, he said that India takes great pride in its robust economic growth, which has positioned it as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.
“Today, we are the fifth-largest economy in the world and want to become the fourth-largest economy in a few years. We are moving ahead with the dream of a developed India,” he said.
In contrast to this, he said, Pakistan’s economic positioning is very weak but is bent on destroying humanity on the strength of debt. “Our neighbour is bent on destroying humanity on the strength of debt. I think they must have learnt a lesson from the reply given. There is nothing in Pakistan that is beyond the reach of the Indian armed forces.”
In a post on ‘X’, Mr. Sinha said, “Reviewed security situation on the ground with Army and Police officials. Interacted with our brave Jawans in Tangdhar. They are standing tall, full of confidence and with determination to safeguard the territorial integrity of the nation. Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
During his visit to Tangdhar, one of the areas worst hit in the recent Pakistani shelling, the Lt. Governor said the border dwellers are being compensated based on the assessment of the damage caused to the residential houses and other properties, but he was of the view that the help they have received is not enough. He said, “The administration has made the assessment, and immediate assistance has been provided. A few people are left to be rehabilitated. But I feel this help is not enough. I've asked Divisional Commissioner and other senior officers to prepare a comprehensive plan so we can request the Government of India for proper rehabilitation”.
After being briefed by the officials on the requirements and construction of bunkers in the frontline villages through Gram Sabhas, Mr. Sinha asked the district administration to ensure timely completion of bunkers. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure safety and rehabilitation of affected families,” he said.
The government had constructed hundreds of household-levels and village-shared shelters capable of accommodating multiple families between zero to three kilometres from the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) or Jammu-Sialkot border when the facing armies would, prior to the two countries renewing the November 2003 ceasefire agreement in February 2021, routinely engage in skirmishes. During the recent Pakistani shelling, many border residents took refuge in these shelters, often referred to as ‘bunkers’, wherever these exist.
However, the residents of the border areas like Uri, Keran-Karnah and Poonch have complained that it was because of the absence of sufficient household level and village-shared shelters or bunkers that they suffered heavy casualties -more than two dozen killed and over sixty injured in the escalation which lasted for four days and also left a trail of destruction at many places.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had during a visit to Tangdhar earlier this week acknowledged the importance of such bunkers, saying, “These structures are a lifeline during times of escalation. We will ensure the construction of additional bunkers to safeguard our people living in vulnerable areas.”
