Taking a dig at Pakistan, India Air Force chief Arup Raha on Thursday, recalling 1947 era, said that raiders supported by military and the government across the border tried to overrun Jammu and Kashmir.

By adding further he said that large number of troops, military equipment, weapons and logistics were brought into many areas of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947 and IAF played a pivotal role in stopping the advancement of the raiders.

Raha said, “At that time we went to the United Nations for a peaceful solution; it was out of moral high ground. But the problem still continues and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remains a thorn in our flesh even today.”

After the Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for the freedom of PoK and Balochistan, in his independence day speech, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been witnessing huge protests by the locals in large numbers against the Pakistan establishment as well as the Pakistani army.

In 1947, Pakistan had launched operation Gulmarg to annex Jammu and Kashmir using tribals. Around 5,000 tribals invaded the Kashmir Valley on October 22, 1947 through Abbottabad. The then ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, signed the accession on October 26, 1947, which made Jammu and Kashmir an integral part of India and Indian Army was called thereafter to remove the invaders.

PM Narendra Modi’s advocacy for the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Balochistan is great diplomatic stance to counter Pakistan’s involvement in making the atmosphere in the Kashmir valley violent.

By Prajakt K.