External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India's stance on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), emphasizing that it is an integral part of India and expressing the commitment of every Indian political party to ensure its return to India. Speaking to students at Gargi College, New Delhi, Jaishankar referred to a parliamentary resolution highlighting this national commitment.
Jaishankar pointed out that the perception surrounding the inviolability of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir had been deeply ingrained in the public consciousness. However, the repeal of Article 370 in August 2019 altered this perception, prompting a reconsideration of the POK issue among the public. He underscored that the decision to revoke Article 370 facilitated a shift in people's mindset, bringing the issue of POK to the forefront of national discourse.
Highlighting POK's inherent status as part of India, Jaishankar emphasized that it had never been considered separate from the country. He noted that the failure to address the issue earlier had perpetuated the existing situation. Jaishankar drew attention to the historical context, indicating that India had refrained from demanding Pakistan's evacuation of POK in the early years of independence, leading to ongoing challenges.
Jaishankar reflected on the collective forgetting of the POK issue over time and stressed the importance of rekindling awareness among the populace. He suggested that the renewed focus on POK was essential to address its status and rectify past oversights.
