File Photo: Home Minister Rajnath Singh (Press Trust of India)
In a strong warning to those disrupting peace, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said the country will not hesitate in retaliating if someone fires first and asserted the government is ready to talk to Pakistan over Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).
"India always wants good friendly relations with its neighbours and continues with its policy of not disturbing anyone. But if someone fires at us first, we will not count the retaliatory bullets.
Chhedenge nahi, par chhodenge bhi nahi (will not disturb anyone, but if disturbed, then won't spare anyone)," Mr Singh said.
He was addressing an inaugural programme of the first YN Singh Memorial Foundation Lecture Series on 'National Security, Challenges and Strategy' in Bhopal last night.
On Pakistan raising the issue of Kashmir, Mr Singh said, "During my meeting with the Pak Rangers and its delegation, I have cleared to them, Kashmir was, is and will remain India's integral part and if you wish to talk, then talk about Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) only."
The Home Minister said it was a challenge to protect the country's over 23,000-km-long border, but assured it was well protected.
He also exuded confidence that India will become the world's largest economy in next 10-15 years.
"The world over it was believed that down the line India will emerge as a major economy along with US and China. However, I am confident that because of India's core strength it will become the world's largest economy in next 10-15 years. But, some anti-national forces don't want to see India in that position," he said.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic skills, Mr Singh said it is because of his leadership quality that even a country like United Arab Emirates (UAE) has stood with India on the issue of fighting against terrorism.
"It was unthinkable earlier," he said.
On the steps taken by the government to enhance vigil on borders, he said in the last one year, the smuggling of cows to Bangladesh has come down to 2.5-3 lakh from the earlier figure of 22 lakh.
"This figure is not just provided by the Border Security Force (BSF) but also by NGOs working on the issue," he said.
Referring to North East region, he said 70 terrorist organisations are active there and dealing with them is a challenge, but added that change is visible there also while citing the recent agreement with National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), to prove his point.
On the issue of Naxalism, he said 26 districts in the country are affected with the menace and that the respective state governments are dealing with the problem in an effective manner with the active support from the Centre, both in terms of deploying Central forces and required funds.