Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) has always been and will remain a part of India, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during a security conclave at Jammu University. He emphasized that Pakistan’s illegal occupation of PoK does not give it the authority to claim the region. Singh mentioned that a unanimous resolution has been passed in the Parliament of India declaring PoK as an integral part of India, with three proposals confirming it.
Singh also spoke about the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, which was a hindrance in taking action against any anti-national force. He stated that the BJP abrogated the article and did justice to the people of Jammu and Kashmir who were unfairly treated for decades. He added that the general public is quite satisfied with the decision, and the only trouble is faced by those who hate and support separatism.
Speaking on the issue of terrorism, Singh highlighted that India has changed the world’s mindset to see terrorism as an immense threat, including America. He further noted that countries supporting terrorism would find it hard to sustain this game, as most of the world’s major nations have united against it.
During the conclave, the Defence Minister also said India had effectively taken action against terrorism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He stated that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was removed from North East India, where insurgency has been controlled. Singh expressed his hope for the day when permanent peace will have been established in Jammu and Kashmir and AFSPA can be lifted.
Regarding the border tensions with China, Singh noted that some agreements and protocols allowed the borders of both countries to be patrolled amicably. However, in 2020 there was a dispute in East Ladakh because Chinese forces ignored these protocols and tried to change LAC unilaterally.
In conclusion, Singh said that the people of PoK are suffering, and they will eventually demand to come back to India. As a responsible nation, we must ensure that permanent peace prevails in Jammu and Kashmir and that the AfSPA is lifted for the common people of the region.
