Giving a sharp response to China over its activities over the international border, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that India’s ‘national pride’ will not be compromised as far as border tension with China is concerned.

Singh was addressing the virtual rally for Jammuites during which he also spoke about the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A which were invoked in on August 5 last year.

On the decision, he said that while previously the Kashmir valley used to witness ISIS flags being unfurled, the move by the BJP-led Centre has changed the scenario.

“Earlier in Kashmir, protests demanding ‘Kashmir azadi’ were held and flags of Pakistan & ISIS were seen. Now only the Indian flag is seen there,” he said.

“Both India and China are keen that the issues are sorted through talks at military and diplomatic levels. I want to assure you that India’s national pride won’t be compromised. I want to assure our opposition parties that they won’t be kept in the dark and will be briefed when the time comes,” the minister said.

He further condemned the senseless killing of Ajay Pandita, saying that it was a cowardly act.

The Minister also paid tributes to Mohd Makbul Sherwani of Baramulla, who in 1947 hoisted the Indian flag in Kashmir valley.

Rajnath Singh took a swipe at Pakistan, saying “mausam badal chuka hai (the season has changed).”

“Our channels are broadcasting weather forecasts of Muzaffarabad-Gilgit. Ye darja hararat batane ke karan, ab Islamabad mein bhi kuch hararat mehsus hone lagi hai (Islamabad too is feeling the heat). That’s why they are bent upon doing more mischiefs”.

“Soon people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) will demand that they want to be with India and not under the rule of Pakistan. And the day it happens, a goal set by our Parliament will also be accomplished,” said Singh.

The BJP leader also referred to “strong India” while mentioning induction of Rafale aircraft into the Air Force. “India is moving ahead in defence. The strength of our Air Force will increase after the induction of Rafale fighter jet. We do not want to frighten anyone, but we want to increase our strength to protect ourselves,” he said.