India's Minorities Are safe, Will Remain Safe, Pakistan Should Stop Promoting Terrorism: Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India's minorities were safe, are safe, and will remain safe, adding that India does not divide people on the basis of caste or religion. Singh said while the population of minorities in India has increased after Independence, rights violations keep taking place in Pakistan against Sikhs, Buddhists and others.

Speaking at a felicitation programme in Surat for families of 122 soldiers who lost their lives on the line of duty, Singh no one would need to break Pakistan, it will break into pieces itself, the minister said.

The defence minister’s statement came days after Pakistan Prime Minister Khan, while speaking in Muzaffarabad, had urged the people of his country not to march toward the Line of Control (LoC) until he asks them to.

"Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has given good advice to his people to not cross the Line of Control because Indian soldiers are ready and will not allow them to return," he said.

Singh also warned Pakistan that if its people cross the Line of Control, the Indian Army is ready and will not allow them to return.

Singh also said Pakistan was unable to digest India's decision to abrogate Article 370 provisions and went to the United Nations to mislead it. The international community is unwilling to believe what Pakistan is saying, he said.

Pakistan should stop promoting terrorism, otherwise no one can stop it from breaking into pieces, Singh asserted.

The programme for the families of fallen soldiers was organised by Maruti Vir Jawan Trust. On behalf of Maruti Vir Jawan Trust, the minister also gave a relief of Rs 2.5 lakh to each of the 122 families.