In a strong warning to those disrupting border peace, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said the country will not hesitate in retaliating if someone fires first and asserted the government is ready to talk to Pakistan over PoK and not Kashmir.
"India always wants good friendly relations with its neighbours and continues with its policy of not disturbing anyone. But if someone fires at us first, we will not count the retaliatory bullets. <g data-gr-id="25">Chhedenge</g> <g data-gr-id="26">nahi</g>, par <g data-gr-id="27">chhodenge</g> <g data-gr-id="28">bhi</g> <g data-gr-id="29">nahi</g> (will not disturb anyone, but if disturbed, then won't spare anyone)," Singh said.
He was addressing an inaugural programme of the first Y N Singh Memorial Foundation Lecture Series on 'National Security, Challenges and Strategy' here last night.
Late Y N Singh had served in <g data-gr-id="24">co-operative</g> department of Madhya Pradesh government. He was remembered for enhancing agriculture production through fertiliser distribution strategies.
On Pakistan raising the issue of Kashmir, Rajnath said, "During my meeting with the Pak Rangers and its delegation, I have cleared to them, Kashmir was, is and will remain India's integral part and if you wish to talk, then talk about Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) only."
"I have also tried to convince Pak Rangers that why they fire at the uniform (soldiers). First you fire, then we retaliate. Why not both of us will together fire at terrorism to end the menace," he said.
The Home Minister said it was a challenge to protect the country's over 23,000-km-long border, but assured it was well protected.
He also exuded confidence that India will become the world's largest economy in next 10-15 years.
HM postpones visit to forward areas along Pak, China borders
Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who was scheduled to visit forward areas along the borders with Pakistan and China, has postponed the tour citing a key BJP meeting on Bihar. Singh, who was planning to visit Samba along Indo-Pak border and Chumar in eastern Ladakh for three days beginning Tuesday, postponed the visit and may tour both the areas later this month.
"A meeting of the BJP <g data-gr-id="82">Parl</g> Board has been called on Tuesday and it is important for the HM, who is a senior party leader, to attend it.