Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh yesterday (28 June) called the Modi government's decision to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh as two separate Union territories (UTs) as 'historic' and said that the move has bolstered national security and led to a major reduction in terrorist activities, reports Economic Times.

Singh added that the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two UTs has also opened new avenues for the socio-economic development of the people in both regions.

Speaking at an event in Ladakh, Singh also referred to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's recent meeting with political leaders from the UT of J&K. He emphasised that the government does not want the "same situation" to continue in the region for long.

Singh also criticised those who earlier questioned PM Modi's intent for Jammu and Kasmir and Ladakh, talking of vested interests. He said, "He wants that political process to start in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in Ladakh. And he is going to speak (to people from) here. He has spoken to people of J&K. We do not want the same situation to prevail for a long time."

Meanwhile, on a three-day visit to Ladakh, Singh dedicated 63 bridges built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in six states and two UTs.