Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday said that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is actually a terrorist-controlled region of Pakistan. Calling it a territory illegally occupied by Pakistan, he said it is not controlled by the Pakistani establishment but by the terrorists.
General Rawat also asserted that Jammu & Kashmir includes the entire PoK and Gilgit Baltistan. Therefore, PoK and Gilgit Baltistan become an occupied territory, a territory which has been illegally occupied by our western neighbour.
"When we say Jammu and Kashmir, the complete region of Jammu & Kashmir includes PoK and Gilgit Baltistan. Therefore PoK and Gilgit Baltistan become an occupied territory - a territory which has been illegally occupied by our western neighbour. The territory which has been illegally occupied by Pakistan is not controlled by the Pakistani establishment, it is controlled by terrorists. PoK is actually a terrorist-controlled country or a terrorist-controlled part of Pakistan," said General Rawat.
#WATCH Delhi: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat says, "...The territory which has been illegally occupied by Pakistan is not controlled by the Pakistani establishment, it is controlled by terrorists. PoK is actually a terrorist controlled part of Pakistan." pic.twitter.com/jS8lGVddJw
— ANI (@ANI) October 25, 2019
Speaking on the Sig Sauer, he said that the rifle will be available to the infantry soldiers by the end of 2019. General Rawat said, "Let me assure that the best rifle available in the world, the Sig Sauer from America will be available to the infantry soldiers by the end of this year," he said while delivering the KM Cariappa memorial lecture in the national capital.
The Army Chief said that Kalashnikov-203, which is the latest rifle, will soon commence production at Amethi and will be provided to soldiers. "For the others, the Kalashnikov-203 which is the latest in the series of the weapon system will soon commence production at Amethi ordinance factory," he said. The Army chief said that infantry is being equipped with modern equipment. "Infantry soldier is now being provided with the best surveillance equipment and weaponry," he added.
Earlier in September, General Rawat sending out a strong message to Pakistan had said that the Centre has to take a decision as regards what to do in PoK, stressing that Army is ready for any scenario. General Rawat had noted that the Army was just waiting for the government's order. "The government takes action in such matters. Institutions of the country will work as per the orders of the government. The Army is always ready," said Rawat.
Talking about Jammu and Kashmir, Army Chief General Rawat had said that people of the region must help the Army in maintaining peace and security in the region. He added that Kashmiris have been bearing the brunt of terrorism for many years now and they should give one chance to the government to bring peace and development in the region.
