Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat said Pakistan wants to keep terrorism alive in Kashmir and described it as the source of terrorism. He was responding in Haridwar to remarks made by Farooq Abdullah.
Rawat said the continuing security challenge affects both Pakistan and India. He added that India must divert resources towards internal security and other responsibilities instead of using them entirely for development and public welfare.
Rawat’s remarks on security spending
“Farooq Abdullah may have his own understanding of the issue, but Pakistan wants to keep terrorism alive in Kashmir and is the source of terrorism. Pakistan has also had to pay a price for it. Unfortunately, India is also being affected,” Rawat said.
He continued: “Resources that should have been used for the country’s development and public welfare have to be diverted to other tasks because of Pakistan. We have to spend on internal security and fulfil other responsibilities.”
Rawat said the financial burden of security spending should not be interpreted as a reason to weaken India’s security arrangements. He stressed that the country must continue to protect itself despite the pressure on public resources.
“However, this does not mean we should compromise on security. No matter how much we have to spend, internal security is as important as border security,” he said.
The remarks place internal security and border security together as essential national responsibilities. Rawat’s comments also connect the security situation in Kashmir with the diversion of funds that could otherwise support development and public welfare.
Conclusion
Harish Rawat said India must continue funding internal security without compromising its broader development responsibilities, while alleging that Pakistan seeks to keep terrorism alive in Kashmir.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who made the statement?
Harish Rawat, a former Uttarakhand Chief Minister, made the statement.
Q. Where did Rawat make the remarks?
The remarks were made in Haridwar.
Q. Whose remarks was Rawat responding to?
He was responding to remarks by Farooq Abdullah.
Q. What did Rawat say about Pakistan?
Rawat said Pakistan wants to keep terrorism alive in Kashmir and called it the source of terrorism.
Q. What impact on India did Rawat highlight?
He said resources intended for development and public welfare must be diverted to internal security and other responsibilities.
Q. Did Rawat call for reduced security spending?
No. He said internal security must not be compromised and is as important as border security.
