'People Of PoK Will Return To India': Rajnath Singh Amid Op Sindoor Debate In Parliament

Last Updated:July 29, 2025, 14:46 IST

As the Parliament debated India's 'Operation Sindoor', Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told the Rajya Sabha that the people of the PoK will one day declare themselves Indians.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speaking in the Rajya Sabha (Photo: PTI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, expressed hopes that the people of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will return and will accept that they are Indians.

The Defence Minister also said that India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ was a clear message to Pakistan and the world that India will go to any extent to eliminate terrorism.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to national security, while lauding the precision and coordination of India’s armed forces.

“The people of PoK will return, a day will come when they will say that we are Indians," Singh said in the Upper House, as the Parliament debated ‘Operation Sindoor’.

“India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ was not an act of provocation, but one of self-defence," Singh said.

“We struck nine terror camps, including those operated by Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. No Pakistani civilian was harmed. Our targets were precise and our message was clear," the Defence Minister said.

He revealed that Pakistan had attempted to attack Indian military and civilian targets using missiles and drones, but failed to cause any damage.

“We thwarted every attempt. Not a single Indian installation was hit," Singh added.

Also speaking on ‘Operation Mahadev’ in Srinagar, Singh said that actionable intelligence led to the elimination of three terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam attack.

“Our forces neutralised the perpetrators. We do what we say," he declared firmly.

He emphasised that the Opposition should unite in acknowledging the valour of Indian soldiers.

“Not a single soldier was martyred. The entire country should take pride in the professionalism of our armed forces," the Defence Minister said.

Also retorting to the mediation claims by US President Donald Trump, Singh stated that Pakistan, on May 10, had requested a ceasefire following the Indian offensive.

“We agreed, but only on the condition that if there is another terror attack, ‘Operation Sindoor’ will resume. The operation is not over, it remains active," he clarified.

Calling the strike a turning point in India’s security doctrine, Singh said, “‘Operation Sindoor’ is redefining India’s global image. We will not allow our soil to bleed. The people of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir will one day say ‘Yes, we are Indians’."

Singh concluded by reiterating India’s commitment to peace but warned, “We gave our forces full freedom, and we will continue to do so. From land to sea, we are prepared to give a befitting reply to any aggression."

ALSO READ | Amit Shah Says Pakistan Sought Ceasefire After India’s Airbase Attacks: ‘They Had No Other Option’

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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