Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lands in Srinagar to assess the security situation
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with soldiers of the armed forces and appreciated them on the success of Operation Sindoor.
New Delhi (India) May 15: In the middle of tensions with Pakistan, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Srinagar on Thursday to review security in Jammu & Kashmir. After India launched Operation Sindoor against terrorist groups in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror incident on April 22 and the two countries reached a ceasefire agreement on May 10, this is the defence minister's first trip to Jammu and Kashmir.
When Rajnath Singh met the Indian Armed Forces men, he expressed his pride in being among them "in such adverse conditions.”
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha accompanied the Defence Minister.
Speaking at the Badami Bagh Cantonment Srinagar, Singh paid tribute to the victims of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and to those who lost their lives while performing their duties during Operation Sindoor.
He said,"First of all, I would like to bow to the supreme sacrifice of the brave jawans while they fought terrorism and terrorists. I pay respect to their memory. I also pay respect to the innocent civilians who were killed in Pahalgam. I also salute the valour of the injured soldiers and pray to God that they may recover at the earliest.”
"The entire nation is proud of what you all did during Operation Sindoor under the able leadership and guidance of PM Narendra Modi. Before being your defence minister, I am an Indian citizen. I am here to express gratitude to you as an Indian citizen.”
Singh also questioned whether nuclear weapons are safe in the hands of a "rogue" country like Pakistan and whether Pakistan can manage them.
He said,“Today, from the land of Srinagar, I want to raise this question whether nuclear weapons are safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation. I believe that Pakistan's nuclear weapons should be taken under the supervision of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”
Mr. Singh also met with army officials at the Army's 15 Corps Headquarters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with soldiers at Punjab's Adampur air station previously this week.
Aadrika Tayal
What's Your Reaction?
