Srinagar, May 15, KDC: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday strongly questioned the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, calling it an “irresponsible and rogue nation,” and said its weapons should be brought under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He made the remarks while addressing soldiers at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
“I ask the entire world—is it safe for such an irresponsible and rogue nation to possess nuclear weapons? I believe Pakistan’s nuclear weapons should be placed under the supervision of the IAEA,” Singh said, delivering a sharp message to the international community, according to Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot Com.
Singh, who was accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, praised the Indian Army’s role in Operation Sindoor, a recent counter-terror operation that garnered national attention. “I feel proud to be here among you amid such adverse conditions. The entire nation is proud of whatever you all did during Operation Sindoor under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.
Emphasizing his emotional connection to the forces, Singh added, “Before being your Defence Minister, I am an Indian citizen. I have come here not only as a minister, but as a messenger—as a postman carrying the best wishes, prayers, and pride of the entire nation.”
He also paid homage to those who lost their lives in the line of duty and to civilians who died in the recent Pahalgam attack. “I bow to the supreme sacrifice of our brave jawans who laid down their lives fighting terrorism. I also pay respect to the innocent civilians killed in Pahalgam and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured soldiers,” he said.
Hailing the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their stand against terrorism, Singh stated, “After the Pahalgam attack, the way the people of Jammu and Kashmir expressed their anger against terrorists and Pakistan, I salute their courage. I came here to feel the energy that crushed the enemies.”
He also commended the army’s cross-border retaliation: “The way you destroyed Pakistani chowkis and bunkers across the border—the enemy will never forget it.”
Singh’s visit to Srinagar marked his first since Operation Sindoor and came amidst heightened tensions and a renewed focus on cross-border threats. (KDC)
