Change way of thinking or end up divided: Rajnath warns Pakistan

In a stern warning to Pakistan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday (October 13) said, with “utter politeness”, Islamabad may end up divided in “several parts” if it does not change its way of thinking.

The Defence Minister, back from France where he formally received India’s first Rafale fighter jet, was on a visit to poll-bound Haryana, where the state elections are scheduled to be held on October 21.

Speaking at a gathering in Pataudi, he said, “Today, with utter politeness, I want to give a suggestion to Pakistan that they must change the way they think and the direction of their thinking.” “Else, Pakistan, which was earlier divided into two parts, will now be divided into several parts,” Singh was quoted as saying by ANI.

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At another rally in Sonipat, he cautioned the neighbouring country on its stance on terrorism and said, “I would like to suggest Pakistan work honestly, eliminate terrorism and maintain brotherhood.” Singh added that if it doesn’t fight terrorism honestly, India has the ability to fight fundamental forces.

In Karnal, the defence minister also slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan over his stand on Kashmir, while offering to help the neighbouring country in its fight against terror. “If you are serious enough to fight terror, we are ready to assist you. If you want our army, we will send them there to help you,” he said at a rally there.

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Slamming Khan over his speeches on Kashmir issue, Singh said, “Don’t even think about Kashmir. Forget about it. Nothing will happen. No one can exert pressure on us.”

It may be noted that Pakistan has been facing a deadline imposed by the global terror funding watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to act against terror groups and their sympathisers operating from its soil.

Failing to meet the deadline will result in Pakistan’s blacklisting by the FATF and its downgrading by ratings agencies, which will make it difficult for the cash-strapped nation to keep its economy humming.

(With inputs from agencies)