BJP J&K President Sat Sharma discusses border issues with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JULY 23 (STC): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. Detailed discussions were held on national security, development of border areas, defence infrastructure and issues faced by the people living near the International Border and Line of Control, said reports.
During the meeting, Sat Sharma apprised the Defence Minister about the ground situation in the border areas and said that thousands of families living near the International Border and Line of Control are facing continuous difficulties. He said that the repair, upgradation and construction of new bunkers established for the safety of the people in the border settlements is the need of the hour so that better protection of life and property of the citizens can be ensured in any emergency situation.
Sat Sharma also put before the Defense Minister the long pending issue that the border citizens whose lands have been acquired for defense projects and strategic needs have not been provided adequate compensation till now.
He demanded that immediate, fair and full compensation be given to the affected families so that those who have been waiting for justice for years and who sacrificed their lands and livelihoods in the national interest can get relief.
He praised the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Defense and said that the current government has brought a significant change in the security situation of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to him, the policy of “zero tolerance” against terrorism has not only strengthened law and order but also created new possibilities for development in the region. Emphasizing on the rapid development of border villages, Sat Sharma said that these settlements should not be seen as the last villages of the country but as the first villages. He said that providing better roads, modern infrastructure, strong connectivity, health, education and employment facilities is indispensable for strengthening national security from the grassroots level.
On this occasion, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh assured Sat Sharma that all issues including construction and repair of bunkers and compensation for lands will be considered sympathetically and seriously. He said that the government is fully aware of the problems of the border people and necessary steps will be taken to resolve their problems.
He also said that he will soon consider visiting the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir to directly meet the local people and the security forces deployed there and review the ground situation. The Defense Minister expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir is moving strongly towards lasting peace, stability, and full integration into the national mainstream.

(Straight Talk Communications)