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NEW DELHI: Even as the Indian prime minister insisted on Sunday that his country never attacked any country and never coveted anyone’s territory, his home minister said the country was “proud of the manner in which Indian troops carried out surgical strikes against militant launch pads” in Azad Kashmir last week.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra, a complex dedicated to overseas Indians, Narendra Modi said: “India has not attacked anyone; it is neither hungry for any territory.”
He said that in the two World Wars (which were fought before India’s independence) as many as 150,000 Indian soldiers laid down their lives while “fighting for others”.
While Modi’s speech was replete with references to the “sacrifices Indians had rendered for others”, his Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement was full of praise for the troops “who carried out the surgical strikes” in Azad Kashmir.
Whole world aware of ‘surgical strikes’, says home minister
“The country, as well as the whole world, is aware of this (surgical strikes)... the way our jawans displayed valour has made India proud,” Singh said to journalists after inaugurating a ‘smart toilet’ in New Delhi.
Responding to questions about doubts raised by the Pakistan Army about the strikes and the fact that India had not released any footage of the operation, the minister simply said: “Just wait and watch.”
Missing soldier
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, meanwhile, said the Indian government was working to secure the release of a soldier held in Pakistan, adding that it would take some time.
India claims the soldier was captured on Thursday after he “inadvertently” crossed over into Azad Kashmir after crossing the Line of Control.
Parrikar said the capture did not relate to the so-called “surgical strikes”.
“He had crossed over, which happens in border areas. There is a well-established mechanism through DGMO (Director General of Military Operations) which has been activated,” the minister said, according to the Press Trust of India news agency.
“Since the situation is tense right now, it will take some days to bring the soldier back.”
India has evacuated thousands of people near the border in East Punjab following the alleged “strikes”.
Published in Dawn October 3rd, 2016
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Comments (98) Closed
Oct 03, 2016 08:19am
There would be laying peace if Mr Modi message is taken in right earnest and Pakistan will find no better friend. One can't change India boundary by force or religious basis.
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Oct 03, 2016 08:22am
Such a peaceful and responsible country India is.
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Oct 03, 2016 08:25am
But can't restraint for long.
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Oct 03, 2016 08:29am
Let them play hide and seek..nobody can believe the Indian media and politicians as they have done so many false allegations in the past also.
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Oct 03, 2016 08:33am
That is absolutely true.. India has been ravaged several times by several countries.. Not once has it gone to War on any country or in any territory on its own accord.
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Oct 03, 2016 08:41am
Mr. Modi, then cough-up Kashmir.
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Oct 03, 2016 08:44am
@Desi Dimag Just look at history, who instigates, India always replied not started.
Even in the case of surgical strikes. India replied after sustaining more than a dozen attacks including Pathankot and Uri.
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Oct 03, 2016 08:43am
This is very much true. India is the land of Buddha and Gandhi...
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Oct 03, 2016 08:48am
Read entire Indian history, if you dont believe it.
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Oct 03, 2016 08:49am
@Javed Kashmir is an integral part of india. ever heard about "Bharatvarsha" ?
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Oct 03, 2016 09:01am
Good. Truth alone triumphs. Keep doing it.
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Oct 03, 2016 09:07am
@Sunil Bhudda was from Nepal. And where is Ghandi philosophy.
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Oct 03, 2016 09:09am
True statement from true Prime Minister of India.
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Oct 03, 2016 09:12am
In childhood there was a game to ring bell of neighbour and run away; that was a surgical strike by India.
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Oct 03, 2016 09:16am
De-escalation is the saner policy now. Even Pak Army made statements to reduce tensions - which is also encouraging. The difference between professional armies and terrorists is that the former doesn't want to fight unless absolutely necessary, while the latter ceases to exist if there is no fight.
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Oct 03, 2016 09:18am
hahahahhahahahahha yes the entire world is stupid. liar
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Oct 03, 2016 09:20am
@Javed he did not say we donate territory.
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Oct 03, 2016 09:28am
@DESI DIMAG,
We all know how much responsible India is, furthermore the sacrifices mentioned by modi were not led by only Indians, we all know that at that time we were all together.
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Oct 03, 2016 09:30am
India consider the whole Kashmir including Azad Kashmir as part of its territory, hence Modi made this comment.
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Oct 03, 2016 09:34am
@Javed Kashmir has always been part of India since independence . The kingdom have been given choice who they wanted to be part of and the King than joined India.
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Oct 03, 2016 09:35am
Btw soldiers fought in world war II were not indian
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Oct 03, 2016 09:36am
Hilarious statement by Indian home minister.He is proud of the surgical strike conducted by Indian army,while reluctant to accept the apprehension of his soldier.
It is kind request to you please inform us before any strike that who is going to wage surgical strike and who is going to cross the border inadvertently at that time.
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Oct 03, 2016 09:48am
LOC is not international border.
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Oct 03, 2016 09:50am
India never attack on any country. but some one start by it own then we will never stop until push them upto in his home
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Oct 03, 2016 09:52am
@Tamil, Then the Indian subcontinent was one.
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Oct 03, 2016 09:54am
I support Modi ji, it is the fact.
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Oct 03, 2016 10:12am
Prime duty of every country is to stop terror...
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Oct 03, 2016 10:20am
India is an civilization for 5000 years.
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Oct 03, 2016 10:35am
@javed, pls read history of kashmir
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Oct 03, 2016 10:42am
@Tamil
There was no Nepal and Pakistan at Buddha's time...
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Oct 03, 2016 10:54am
@Javed - You have done kamal with your statement. Bullseye buddy.
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Oct 03, 2016 11:12am
@AJ then what is LOC
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Oct 03, 2016 11:12am
@Tamil Buddha was India, read encyclopedia. He was originally from Bihar.
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Oct 03, 2016 11:12am
India is a peaceful country, never attacked any country but also not compromised in counter strike.
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Oct 03, 2016 11:15am
@Kiran You should read history.
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Oct 03, 2016 11:20am
Modi says one thing and does another.
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Oct 03, 2016 11:32am
95% of ppl in Pak and India are peace loving.And the 2 nation theory didnt work well for both of us, it only benefited Western world.We should unite like Germany did after 45 yrs of separation.Hindus and Muslims are well integrated and living in subcontinent from last 800 yrs then why we cant live today. Billions of dollars would be saved from defense expense and would be well utilized for human welfare
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Oct 03, 2016 11:34am
No One believes you Mr. Moodi
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Oct 03, 2016 11:36am
It is akin to saying 'we never committed any crime in Kashmir.' And I never tell a lie!?
The whole world knows the truth already.
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Oct 03, 2016 11:50am
@Tamil , FYI, He was Sidharth in Nepal and attained Spiritualism and Knowledge and became Budha in India.
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Oct 03, 2016 11:52am
He insists because it happens to be true.
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Oct 03, 2016 11:57am
@Desi Dimag Just visit Chattisgarh ....
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Oct 03, 2016 12:00pm
BJP, Bharatiya Janata Party has adopted Hindutva as its official ideology in 1989, an ideology seeking to establish the hegemony of Hindus and the Hindu way of life
...no need to explain it any further.
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Oct 03, 2016 12:02pm
Mr Rajnath. I'm waiting for surgical strikes video. What it's took so long?
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Oct 03, 2016 12:03pm
Modi was talking of pre-1947 India.
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Oct 03, 2016 12:03pm
@Desi Dimag Yeah sure! So what happened to the much touted video of the 'surgical strike'? Or did you mean it never happened??
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Oct 03, 2016 12:03pm
Don't believe in anything unless it is officially denied by the government....it seems as though we can believe now that it is just the opposite...since it is denied, a paradox, ironic, isn't it.
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Oct 03, 2016 12:07pm
@SHERAFGAN @Desi Dimag Just visit Chattisgarh ....
For what? Chattisgarh is a peaceful place too. Naxalites are now running to save their life.
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Oct 03, 2016 12:08pm
How ironic...rather quite a paradox...
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Oct 03, 2016 12:06pm
@Tamil Gautama was from Nepal but Buddha was from india..got it?? :-)
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Oct 03, 2016 12:11pm
But Indians were insisting they did Surgical Strike... What was that ?
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Oct 03, 2016 12:11pm
Modi is right in the context of history. India has always been ruled by outsiders.
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Oct 03, 2016 12:15pm
@Tamil Why do you forget Siddhartha Gautama became Buddha in India(Gaya in Bihar).
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Oct 03, 2016 12:14pm
All I can say for subcontinent politics is learn from world wars 1 and 2 . And see how Europe behaves with each other now. Peace, Respect for each other's Religion and Integrity!!!!
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Oct 03, 2016 12:16pm
Azad or else and or captured Kashmir?
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Oct 03, 2016 12:19pm
@Javed - India has not invaded any country does not translate to India is ready to be invaded and persuaded.
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Oct 03, 2016 01:32pm
@Vyom What was Pakistan before 1947 ? It was India too!!!
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Oct 03, 2016 04:08pm
No mention of the pain the people of Kashmir is going through with the hands of Indian armed forces.
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Oct 03, 2016 06:37pm
WE indian are lucky to have a great PM.and visionery leader like narinder damoder modi. clean from corruption and always think about betterment and safty Of india .
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Oct 03, 2016 08:25pm
What a U turn by Modi... then what was surgical strike drama which miserably failed.
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Oct 03, 2016 08:33pm
History lesson for Mr. Modi: in 1971, India intervened in a domestic issue and started a war with Pakistan. India used the help of Bengalis to defeat Pakistan. Today, India is trying to get the world to defeat Pakistan. Mr. Modi it is time for India to stop terrorism, and free Kashmir.
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Oct 03, 2016 08:39pm
Very sensible statement -
1-"Escalation not in anyone's interest" from the Pakistani army.
2-"India never attacked any country" from Indian Prime minister.
have not only halted the momentum of escalation and tensions but diffused it to a great extent.Both should be highly commended unconditionally.
It will help a lot ,if people from both countries ,give their positive contribution to over all situation and become the part of solution .
If that happens....solution will become bigger and bigger ....and .... one day..it will consume....the problem.
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Oct 03, 2016 08:45pm
To teach some history -
a) maurian empire occupied parts of today's Iran, all of Afghanistan , parts of Tadzhikistan, Tibet , Nepal and xinjiang
b) Tamil kings from south India invaded srilanka , Singapore , sumetra islands
c) Kushans had most of Central Asia under their occupation.
d) Sikh kingdom had parts of Afghanistan under their rule.
e) post independent India aggressed srilanka by supporting Tamil rebels and trained them in camps in south India.
f) post independent India invaded east Pakistan
Somebody needs more schooling
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Oct 03, 2016 08:48pm
India tried it in 1965 with China; they got a good thrashing, In that context Mr. Modi is giving the statement.
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Oct 03, 2016 09:24pm
@Iqbal Khan
India is not an outsider to Kashmir
Nor are Kashmiris united in wanting to be free
a few elements speared by those whose own children study abroad are not example of repressed people
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Oct 03, 2016 09:32pm
@Akshay : Strange, Indian ministers say totally opposite of what Modi claims.
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Oct 03, 2016 09:35pm
@indian : Unfortunately, it is. That's a fact.
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Oct 03, 2016 09:54pm
@Sai. Don't you think it's time change it?
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Oct 03, 2016 10:34pm
Attack was conducted across the LOC in a part which is part of Jammu and Kashmir. It's indias land not Pakistani territory.
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Oct 03, 2016 10:41pm
@Bitter truth we don't want to be that lucky spreading hate and talking of war. If nothing works then say did not attack.
You guys still believe your media and politicians. Atleast we don't follow anyone blindly. I am surprised at the open false information provided by your army and media.truth will perish falsehood
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Oct 03, 2016 10:49pm
@Iftikhar Husain because it is self inflicted!
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Oct 03, 2016 11:08pm
@shoaib Wow! Pakistanis are owning Indian past as common.
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Oct 03, 2016 11:13pm
@Surya Kant Agrawal Force not required. Would be good if India could follow UN resolutions on Kashmir some decades ago.
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Oct 04, 2016 12:45am
@Patel. Los Angles, USA What about Jonagar state where king opted to join Pakistan but India took over.
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Oct 04, 2016 12:57am
Come on Modi ! What about former East Pakistan Hyderabad Junagadh Goa etc.
Lol. Lol.
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Oct 04, 2016 12:58am
@Tamil plz do read history about buddha. Buddha was from India but Nepal.
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Oct 04, 2016 02:16am
@Sai absolutely!
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Oct 04, 2016 02:34am
@patel USA. There were states of junagadh and manavadar in ragasthan whose Kings decided to join Pakistan but India annexed those states and held plebiscite as Indian was sure that Hindu majority will join Indian but Indian didn't apply the same rule to Kashmir.
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Oct 04, 2016 02:42am
India doesn't have any capability of "surgical strikes" now or in the future against Pakistan. As for as Modi, he needs psychiatric evaluation to make sure he is fit to run the country.
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Oct 04, 2016 02:48am
@Indian_Kashmiri_Muslim absolutely! because he is the revolutionary leader and perfect example of state administrator. We have been blessed by God for giving India Modiji as our PM. Thanks to our country's democracy!
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Oct 04, 2016 02:55am
@Sonu absolutely!
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Oct 04, 2016 02:56am
@vijay absolutely!
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Oct 04, 2016 06:50am
What a big lie Modi is insisting on, but has not been able sofar to bring Photoshopped pictures of his concocted "surgical strike."....We think why are Indians not analyzing the story and why are believing him?
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Oct 04, 2016 08:03am
Yes it's true indian if you see hisrory also Hindu kings never attacked any country for land or anything.if they had done this they would never have squeezed from Afghanistan to present india.
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Oct 04, 2016 08:07am
@shoaib How stupid we are when we were slaves we were together and now we are but enemy.
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Oct 04, 2016 02:37pm
Modi's comments are a complete farce! The modern Indian state invaded Hyderabad state and Junagadh state. Neither of these princely states wanted to join the Indian Union, but using some pretext, both of these small states were invaded.
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Oct 04, 2016 03:20pm
Modi ji words is a Indian culture and Hindu Culture.
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Oct 05, 2016 12:52am
@Talkn Parrot;
'The difference between professional armies and terrorists is that the former doesn't want to fight unless absolutely necessary'
For societies that believe in zero-sum-game, a week victim is the only 'necessity
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Oct 05, 2016 01:11am
@Akshay absolutely! India replied out long time after Mumbai; Pathankot and URI attack!
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Oct 05, 2016 01:20am
@D.K. PAMNANI and that's what India and we represent! A Hindu country!
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Oct 05, 2016 03:15am
@Pakistani tujhe salam TRUE...
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Oct 05, 2016 03:36am
@Patel. Los Angles, USA
This statement does not look good from the mouth of the "champions of democracy?"
Let me tell you all the definition of Democracy = "For the People By the People"
This decision is up to the people of Kashmir! not Ranbir Singh! not India! not Pakistan! or any one else!
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Oct 05, 2016 04:23am
@Begum of London "Indian state invaded Hyderabad state and Junagadh state."
State is right word. Both were part of India before Muslim invaders, and Nawab Shahi.
Refer Map of India at time of Ashoka. Lost a lot since then not gained.
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Oct 05, 2016 05:29am
@tauseef ahmed Please be educated what those resolutions are. Then, you will know who to blame for not implementing them.
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Oct 05, 2016 10:22am
@Siddiqui WW1 and ww2 Pakistan and Bangladesh did not exist. India did (injil says so in Esther 1:1) and was a colony of the British.
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Oct 05, 2016 10:33am
In reality Pakistanis are most innocent people.
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Oct 05, 2016 11:15am
Gud Drama by Indian Govt.
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Oct 06, 2016 10:04am
@Surya Kant Agrawal In 1947 the boundary was changed by Religion in 1971 boundary was changed by force.
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