Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemoration organized by the Jammu Kashmir Peoples' Forum in collaboration with the POJK Youth Forum at the Kashmiri Cultural Centre, New Delhi. Member of Parliament Ms. Bansuri Swaraj attended as Guest of Honour, while Col. K.K. Sharma (SC, SM & Bar), a Kargil War Veteran, presided over the function organized under the leadership of Sh. Mahinder Mehta, Convenor of the Jammu Kashmir Peoples' Forum.
Dr. Singh described India's Partition as "the greatest blunder of history" that inflicted immense human suffering, displaced millions, and laid the foundation for decades of hostility including the wars of 1947, 1965, 1971 and Kargil, as well as sustained cross-border terrorism and proxy warfare. He stated that the retrieval of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) remains the only pending issue between India and Pakistan, recalling the unanimous Parliamentary Resolution of 1994.
The Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with transforming India's defence strategy from a reactive approach to one marked by resolve, preparedness and decisive proactive response against external aggression. He said this shift has significantly enhanced national confidence and strengthened India's ability to safeguard its territorial integrity through zero tolerance towards terrorism and strengthened border management.
Dr. Singh highlighted the unprecedented transformation in Jammu & Kashmir, citing major infrastructure projects including railway connectivity to the Kashmir Valley, the world's highest railway bridge, new AIIMS institutions, long-pending irrigation projects, and accelerated development initiatives that have improved quality of life and strengthened public confidence. He noted that sustained peace has enabled rapid development, while development itself has emerged as a powerful force for lasting stability.
The Minister also emphasized India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, noting substantial expansion of indigenous defence production, development of advanced strategic capabilities, and emergence as a significant exporter of defence equipment. He stated that the pace of development in Jammu & Kashmir has become a source of inspiration for people living in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir.
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