Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking from the border district of Poonch on Friday, asserted that the development trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir, initiated in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will neither halt nor decelerate despite recent provocations. He issued a stern warning, stating that any attempts to harm India would be met with a “strong and decisive” response.
Shah acknowledged a momentary pause in development due to recent disturbances but reassured the populace that progress would swiftly regain momentum. He commended the armed forces and civil administration for their bravery and readiness, specifically recognizing the sacrifice of a senior official during the recent India-Pakistan military conflict and praising the administration’s prompt evacuation of civilians.
“The development of Jammu and Kashmir will neither stop nor slow down. The pace that began in 2014 will continue. Anyone who tries to harm us will receive a strong and befitting reply,” Shah declared. He highlighted the construction of over 9,500 bunkers since 2014 to protect civilians along the border, emphasizing their crucial role in saving lives in recent days. He also pledged to build more bunkers in coordination with the UT administration.
Underscoring national solidarity, Shah stated, “The entire nation and the governments of India and Jammu and Kashmir stand with you like a rock. The acts committed by terrorists and Pakistan will only make India’s defence policy stronger.” Reiterating Prime Minister Modi’s firm stance against terrorism, he stressed, “Terror and talks cannot go together. Terror and trade cannot go together. Blood and water cannot flow together.”
Shah assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the development begun in 2014 would resume with full force, with any disruptions met by a powerful and befitting reply. He condemned Pakistan’s “highly condemnable act” of intense shelling in border areas, particularly Poonch, stating that India responded by precisely targeting terror infrastructure across the border without harming civilians.
Describing the recent shelling as “the worst in Poonch since Independence,” Shah noted that civilian homes, temples, gurudwaras, and mosques were targeted, accusing Pakistan of using civilians as human shields. He affirmed that Indian forces responded with strength and precision only after this provocation.
To express solidarity, Shah visited the affected region and announced a forthcoming special relief package from the Centre for damaged homes, businesses, and religious sites. He mentioned that appointment letters had already been provided to the families of those who lost loved ones, acknowledging that it could not compensate for the loss but was a step in sharing their burden. He further lauded the swift response of the administration and security forces, highlighting the sacrifices made even by senior officers and the tireless efforts of the LG, administration, and police in evacuating residents and ensuring safety.
