Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India missed an “golden opportunity” to resolve Kashmir dispute during 1971 war when “under global pressure” it released hundreds of Pakistani troops who were in the custody of Indian army.
Speaking at an election rally here, Modi said then Congress government signed Shimla agreement (in 1972) “under global pressure” and released over 90,000 prisoners of war (PoW) instead of resolving the Kashmir dispute “in lieu of the PoW.”
“Pak troops were in our custody. A big area of Pakistanwas also captured by Indian forces during 1971 war but the Congress governmentlost it on table in Shimla agreement and they were released,” he said.
“The government crumbled under global pressure andsigned the Shimla agreement and the matter was closed. PoW and the capture landwere released. That was a golden opportunity to resolve the Kashmir dispute inlieu of the PoW,” he said.
The prime minister said that it was a trump card in thehands of the government but the chance was missed and the entire country isfacing its result today.
Modi said it was the reason why Congress leaders do not wantnationalism to be an issue. The statement from Modi came after Rajasthan chiefminister Ashok Gehlot in his recent election rallies highlighted that a newnation (Bangladesh) was created by dividing Pakistan by Indian armed forcesduring the rule of former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1971.
The prime minister also said India no more afraid of nuclearthreats from Pakistan. “Otherwise, Pakistan used to give nuclear threats.What do we have? Have we kept it for ‘Diwali’ (Warna aay din nuclear buttonhai, ye kehte the. Hamare paas kya hai. Ye diwali ke liye rakha hai kya)”, Modicommented. Modi said his government crushed the ego of Pakistan and”forced the neighbouring country to roam in world with begging bowl.”
“Hamne Pakistan ki sari hekdi nika di. Use katora leke dunia me ghumne ko mene majboor kar diya hai,” he said.