Article 370 Abolished and Jammu & Kashmir Fully Integrated Without a Shot Fired: Rajnath Singh
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Synopsis
On March 19, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the government successfully removed Article 370, achieving full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India without any violence. He emphasized the importance of unity and highlighted infrastructure projects enhancing regional connectivity.
Key Takeaways
- Article 370 was abolished peacefully.
- Significant improvements in governance were noted.
- Infrastructure projects aim to boost connectivity in Northeast India.
- India's global diplomatic standing has strengthened.
- Unity is vital for India's development by 2047.
New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that the government accomplished the removal of Article 370, a pivotal barrier, without a single shot being fired, thereby securing the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.
This groundbreaking decision was made peacefully while safeguarding the interests of all parties involved, he noted.
During his address at the Major Bob Khathing Memorial Event in Delhi on Wednesday, Singh reiterated the government's dedication to administrative reforms through the doctrines of “minimum government, maximum governance” and “good governance.”
He pointed out how these measures have bridged the gap between the government and the citizens.
Singh drew a comparison between the government's initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir and Major Bob Khathing's peaceful incorporation of Tawang into India. Commending Khathing's contributions to the Northeast, he stated, “The endeavors of Major Bob Khathing for the Northeast resonate with the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in national integration.”
The Defence Minister also highlighted the government's strong foreign policy, crediting the diplomatic skills of leaders like Khathing. “In today's multipolar world, India harmonizes hard and soft power. It is a point of pride that India has bolstered its international standing. Once, India was overlooked on global platforms, but now, when we voice our concerns, the world pays attention,” he remarked.
Singh emphasized the necessity of unity in realizing the vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047 and recognized the Northeast's contribution to this vision. He showcased key infrastructure projects aimed at improving regional connectivity, including the Sela Tunnel at 13,000 feet, which connects Tezpur in Assam to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, and the nearly 2,000 km-long Arunachal Frontier Highway, which will act as both a strategic and economic asset.
The Defence Minister attributed these developmental efforts to a decline in violence and an increase in progress across the Northeast. He also mentioned the New York Times listing of “52 Places to Visit in 2025,” where Assam was honored with the fourth position.
Referring to Major Khathing as a “great son of India,” Singh praised his legacy of valor and diplomatic finesse. “It is our shared duty to embrace the principles of such exemplary figures,” he stated.
The event saw the attendance of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Director General of Assam Rifles Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, and Director General of the United Service Institution of India (USI) Major General BK Sharma (retd).
