EAM Jaishankar Reaffirms India's Position on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

Synopsis

EAM S. Jaishankar discussed Kashmir's situation, emphasizing the Indian government's actions like the removal of Article 370 and the pursuit of social justice. He reaffirmed that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remains integral to India and is a priority for all political parties.

Key Takeaways

Article 370 removal pivotal for Kashmir resolution.
POK is an integral part of India.
High voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir elections.
Public consciousness around POK is being revived.
Commitment from all political parties on POK issue.

London, March 6 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar addressed the circumstances in Kashmir and highlighted the measures implemented by the Indian government, such as the abolishment of Article 370, the revival of growth and economic activity, promotion of social justice in Kashmir, and the successful conduct of elections with significant voter turnout in the Union Territory.

He emphasized that the only remaining aspect to achieve full resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issues is the part of Jammu and Kashmir that remains illegally controlled by Pakistan.

These remarks were made during his speech at Chatham House in London.

When queried about the Kashmir situation, EAM Jaishankar stated: "In Kashmir, we have made significant progress in addressing most of the issues. The first step was the removal of Article 370. Following that, we focused on restoring growth and economic activity and ensuring social justice in Kashmir, which was the second step. The third step was conducting elections that saw an impressive voter turnout. The only aspect we await is the reclamation of the part of Kashmir that is under illegal Pakistani occupation. Once that happens, I assure you, Kashmir will be resolved."

Earlier, on May 9, 2024, EAM Jaishankar reiterated that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is a part of India, emphasizing that all Indian political parties are committed to ensuring POK returns to India.

While interacting with students at Delhi University's Gargi College in New Delhi, he remarked, "Regarding POK, there is a Parliament resolution...every political party in this nation is dedicated to ensuring that POK, being part of India, returns to India. This is our national commitment."

He also noted that the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 has prompted people to reconsider the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

"With the right decision on Article 370, the POK question has resurfaced in public discourse. The first step towards resolving anything is to have it in your thoughts," he stated.

Previously, on May 5, 2024, EAM Jaishankar remarked that POK is part of India and that people were "made to forget" about it. In response to inquiries about India's intentions for POK during an event in Cuttack, Odisha, he stated, "POK has never been absent from this country. It is a part of India. There is a resolution from the Indian Parliament confirming that POK is indeed part of India."

He explained that India did not pressure Pakistan to vacate the region during the "early years of independence," which led to the current unfortunate situation.

"When you have someone who is not a responsible custodian of the house, someone from outside can steal from you," EAM Jaishankar concluded.

The External Affairs Minister stated that the public had been "made to forget about the POK issue" but it has now been reinvigorated in the public consciousness.