NewKerala.com

Omar Abdullah Mocks Pak Minister's Kolkata Threat: "Forget That Dream"

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dismissed Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's reported threat to strike Kolkata, stating they should "forget about that dream." Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a strong warning, reminding Pakistan of its 1971 division and suggesting further consequences. The remarks came after Asif stated Pakistan would retaliate against India by targeting Kolkata. The Trinamool Congress criticized the central government for its perceived weak response to the threat.

Key Points: Omar Abdullah, Rajnath Singh Reject Pakistan's Kolkata Strike Threat

  • Omar Abdullah mocks Pak's military reach
  • Rajnath Singh warns of Pakistan's further division
  • Threat follows Pak Defence Minister's Kolkata remark
  • TMC criticizes Modi govt's response
2 min read

"They should forget about dream of reaching Kolkata": JK CM Omar Abdullah on Pak Minister's remarks

J&K CM Omar Abdullah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issue sharp retorts to Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's provocative remarks about striking Kolkata.

"Forget about Kolkata, they barely reached Jammu. - Omar Abdullah"

Jammu, April 8

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reacted to the Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's recent remarks related to striking Kolkata and said that "They should forget about the dream of reaching Kolkata" and advised them to try to improve relations rather than deteriorate them.

Speaking to reporters, CM Abdullah said, "It hasn't even been a year since Operation Sindoor was completed...Forget about Kolkata, they barely reached Jammu. They should forget about the dream of reaching Kolkata. It would be better for them to somehow try to improve relations rather than further worsen them, because bad relations don't harm us as much as they do."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday hit back strongly at Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's recent remarks, stressing that he should not give "such provocative statement" because they suffered the consequences when Pakistan was divided into two parts.

Speaking to ANI, Singh further said that only the god would know how many parts Pakistan would be divided if "they cast an eye on Bengal."

"Pakistan's Defence Minister should not have given such a provocative statement. 55 years ago, they suffered the consequences when Pakistan was divided into two parts. If they try to cast an eye on Bengal, only God knows how many parts Pakistan will be divided into this time," said Rajnath Singh.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday reportedly said that Islamabad would retaliate by striking Kolkata in the event of any future misadventure by India.

The incident also drew criticism of the government from TMC as party MP Abhishek Banerjee on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of not being able to "muster the courage" to condemn Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's reported open threat to strike Kolkata.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I agree with the sentiment, I wish our politicians would also focus more on constructive dialogue. These back-and-forth statements often escalate tensions unnecessarily. Peace should be the ultimate goal.
R
Rohit P
Rajnath Singh's reply was epic! "Only God knows how many parts Pakistan will be divided into" – this is the kind of strong response we need. Pakistan should remember 1971 before making such statements.
A
Ananya R
As a Bengali, I find it laughable that they think they can threaten Kolkata. Our city has withstood much greater challenges in history. This is just political posturing from across the border.
M
Michael C
The TMC's criticism seems like political point-scoring. National security shouldn't be a partisan issue. When Pakistan makes threats, all Indian parties should stand united in response.
K
Karthik V
Pakistan's economy is in shambles and they're talking about striking Kolkata? First fix your own house. These statements are for domestic consumption to divert attention from their failures.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50