Jammu:The BJP candidate from Jammu seat Jugal Kishore Sharma today said the Jammu and Kashmir’s borders are more secure than ever before due to a strong and resolute government at the Centre under the dynamic and visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
While conducting a whirlwind visit to border areas in Suchetgarh assembly constituency as a part of his election campaign, Sharma addressed a series of public meetings at Badiyal Brahmana, Agra Chak, Baspur, Kullian, Satraiyan, Taalein, Dangrein, Chakroi, Dewangarh, Sai, Pindi Salocha, Biaspur, Kalyana and Rathana. He also took out an impressive road show in Dablehar.
Prominent parry leaders that accompanied Jugal Kishore included BJP vice president & former minister Sham Choudhary, DDC Prof. Garu Ram, district president Sunil, Rajinder Chib, Satpal Pappy, Kishore Sharma, Atul Vistarak, Jarnail Singh, Natha Ram, Garu Ram, Devi Dass, Ex Sarpanches Om Parkash, Binny Sharma, and Kanta Sharma, Ashok Choudhary, Darshan, Ram Paul, Dharam Pal, Satish Kumar, Mukesh Kumar, Tirath Ram, Pamma, Rinku Choudhary, and Kusam Lata.
Later in the evening, he also addressed a public meeting at Khour.
During his address to the people, Sharma said, “The Modi government has consistently advocated for peace on the borders while maintaining a firm stance in response to provocations from across the border. Since coming to power, the BJP government has pursued a policy of robust diplomacy coupled with a strong defense posture vis-à-vis Pakistan”.
“After the 2016 Uri attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack, India responded with decisive military action while also diplomatic isolation of Pakistan on the international stage. These actions sent a strong signal that India would not tolerate cross-border terrorism and would hold Pakistan accountable for harboring and supporting terrorist groups,” he said.
The BJP candidate, who received an overwhelming reception at different places, said the Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed a significant emphasis on bolstering the border infrastructure. “Among the various initiatives undertaken, the construction of bunkers along border roads stands out as a crucial measure aimed at enhancing national security and ensuring the safety of citizens residing in border areas,” Sharma said.
Recognizing challenges along the borders, Sharma said the Modi government prioritized the construction of bunkers along key border roads, particularly in Jammu region that shares both the International Border and Line of Control with Pakistan.
He said that over 14,000 bunkers were sanctioned to be built in border areas of five districts in Jammu region—Kathua, Samba, Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch. “A majority of these bunkers have been completed while the work on other bunkers is on war footing and these are expected to be constructed soon to ensure safety and security of border dwellers,” he said, adding “Today, Pakistan can’t dare to challenge our border forces which are equipped with modern weaponry. The establishment of peace and tranquility along the borders is the cornerstone of the Modi government’s good governance model”.
The BJP leader said it was Modi government’s firm stand and tough posture on border-related issues that there have been some positive developments in India-Pakistan relations, including the agreement to observe a ceasefire along the border in February 2021. “The ceasefire agreement has contributed to a reduction in border tensions which has brought a major relief to the people of border areas,” he said.
He further said the Modi government has embarked on an ambitious project to construct high-quality roads along the International Border in Jammu region. “The construction of high-quality roads along the Borders exemplifies the government’s proactive approach towards securing the nation’s borders while fostering growth and development in border areas,” Sharma said.
He also highlighted the major achievement of reservation benefits announced by the Modi government for the people living along the International Border. “Earlier, the provision of 3 percent reservation was available only for youth living within 6 kms of Line of Control (LoC). This was purely based on religious lines. The Modi government ended this discrimination against the border people and announced four percent reservation for their children in jobs,” he said.