India’s goal to reach Gilgit-Baltistan, says Rajnath in Kashmir

We have just begun our development journey in J&K and Ladakh. This mission will only be completed when we reach... parts such as Gilgit and Baltistan

RAJNATH SINGH,

Union defence minister

SRINAGAR: The government’s development journey in the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has only begun, and its northward journey will be complete after reaching Gilgit-Baltistan, Union defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday, referring to a 1994 parliamentary resolution that demanded Pakistan vacate its illegally occupied territories in the region.

Singh was speaking at an event marking the 75th anniversary of Shaurya Diwas, which commemorates the landing of Indian troops at Srinagar airport on October 27, 1947 to evict Pakistan-backed tribesmen from the Valley, a day after Maharaja Hari Singh signed the instrument of accession with India.

He also accused Pakistan of committing atrocities against the people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

“We have just begun our development journey in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. This mission will be completed only when we reach the remaining parts such as Gilgit and Baltistan in line with Parliament’s resolution (of 1994 that demanded Pakistan vacate the occupied territories),” Singh said in Budgam district on the outskirts of Srinagar.

“...And the dream of Acharya Shankaracharya and Val