Union Minister Jitendra Singh today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Pakistan will benefit border dwellers here and hit back at Congress for criticising the trip.
The Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office who visited hamlets along the international border here and reviewed the progress of projects, explained to people the benefits of Modi's visit.
"The visit of Modi to Lahore yesterday will have far reaching effects on the lives of the border people. It would benefit the people living on the borders," Singh said.
The visit was aimed to bring much needed peace in the neighbourhood, he said.
On the bunkers being constructed along the border, Singh said over 10 acres of land have been finalised for 5-marla plots for families to move to safer places in Hiranagar belt of Kathua district during firing from the other side.
A file in this regard is pending for approval with state government, he said.
The MoS also hit back at Congress for "useless criticism" over Modi's visit to Pakistan.
"When the Congress was in rule, they used to hold talks or batted strongly for talks. But when Modi took the initiative to hold talks, they are criticising. When talks broke down earlier, they asked why talks are not being held," he said.
On Modi's meetings with Pakistani Premier Nawaz Sharif at international summits, they are asking why talks have been held outside the country when it should have been held in either of the country. But when Modi has gone to Pakistan, they are saying why has he gone there.
Congress should first decide want they want, he said, adding that the party was rattled by the popularity and growing stature of Modi at the international level and acceptance among the people.
On the issue of Kashmir, he said Modi was taking steps towards restoring peace in J&K.
Singh refuted allegations of Congress on the role of a businessman in Modi's Pakistan visit and said the visit of Modi has renewed hopes of repatriation of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim to India.
