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Some groups taking dictations from Islamabad damaged peaceful atmosphere in Valley: Defence Minister | | | Ishtiyaq Ahmad Early Times Report Srinagar, Nov 3: Stating that some groups were working at the behest of Islamabad and were responsible for damaging the peaceful atmosphere in Kashmir, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said that New Delhi is of the firm belief that Pakistan occupied Kashmir is part of Indian territory and its "people are our own citizens." Parrikar also said that some misguided youth were torching schools and putting careers of thousands of children at a stake. He was speaking at a function at War Memorial in Central Kashmir's Budgam district. The function was organised by the Army to pay tributes to Major Somnath, who died fighting Pakistani rebels on November 3, 1947. Parrikar said that New Delhi is of the firm belief that Pakistan occupied Kashmir is part of Indian Territory and its people "are our own citizens." "We will give a befitting reply to any sort of "misadventure by Pakistan," he said. The Defence Minister said that it is because of the supreme sacrifices of our soldiers that we are able today to keep our heads high. "Pakistan has always tried to grab this part of Kashmir and to merge it with its Union by waging proxy wars. Army is dealing with the neighbouring country professionally," he said. The Defence Minister, who was on a two-day visit to Kashmir, said that he hails from Goa, which is considered as a beautiful place in India, but Kashmir seems to be equally mesmerising with its snow clad mountains and gushing streams. "This place has a vast potential in tourism and Information Technology (IT) sectors. But peace is imperative for development," he said. Parrikar said that some misguided youth were torching schools across Kashmir and were putting the careers of thousands of students at a stake. "I asked the Army officers to help re-open schools. But there should be some pressure from the rural areas as well," he said. "My mother would often tell me that time, property and wealth wouldn't remain, but (shiksha) knowledge would always remain. I feel sad over burning of schools here. The youth behind burning of schools are damaging the concept of Kashmiriyat." Without naming any separatist group or any Hurriyat leader, Parrikar said that some groups were working at the behest of Islamabad. "These people are responsible or damaging the peaceful atmosphere in Kashmir for the past four months. These people don't want peace to prevail in Kashmir" he said. While paying tributes to Major Somnath Sharma, the first Param Veer Chakara recipient on his 69th death anniversary, the Defence Minister said that he fought bravely against Pakistani rebels on November 3, 1947 and "ensured that enemy doesn't capture the Srinagar airport." Earlier in the day, the Defence Minister interacted with the soldiers in Badami Bagh where he complimented them for their devotion to duty and reassured that the whole nation recognised their commitment and sacrifice and stood resolute behind them," the spokesman said. |
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