'All Political Party Committed to Ensuring Return of PoK to India,' Says EAM Jaishankar

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar declared that following the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has come to the forefront of public discourse. Addressing students at Delhi's Gargi College on Wednesday, Jaishankar emphasized that all political parties in the country are committed to ensuring the return of PoK, which India considers an integral part of its territory.

Reflecting on the longstanding perception surrounding Article 370, Jaishankar noted that due to the prevailing political climate, many believed it could not be altered. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government's decision to abrogate the article in August 2019, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, has fundamentally reshaped the landscape.

"People just assumed Article 370 couldn't be changed, and this was something we had to accept because the politics of the day had deeply ingrained it in public consciousness," Jaishankar said. "Now we see that once we changed it, the entire ground situation changed."

Reiterating India's unwavering stance on PoK, the minister stated, "All I can say with respect to PoK is that there is a parliament resolution, and every political party in this country is committed to ensuring that PoK, which is a part of India, returns to India. This is our national commitment."

Why It Matters:

Jaishankar's resolute remarks on PoK underscore the growing momentum and determination within India to reclaim the territory, which has been under Pakistan's control since the first Kashmir war in 1947-48. The revocation of Article 370, a move seen as a significant decision, has not only altered the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir but has also reignited the debate surrounding PoK's status.

The minister's assertion that the PoK issue has gained prominence in public discourse highlights the shifting perceptions and priorities within India. By stating that the issue was rarely raised a decade or even five years ago, Jaishankar suggests that the abrogation of Article 370 has catalyzed a renewed focus on the long-standing territorial dispute with Pakistan.

Jaishankar's remarks underscore the broader geopolitical implications of India's claims on PoK. The region has been a longstanding source of tension between India and Pakistan, with both countries asserting their sovereignty over the territory. Jaishankar's statement reaffirms India's commitment to resolving the dispute through diplomatic channels, while also signaling a potential escalation of tensions if the issue remains unresolved.

As India faces numerous challenges surrounding the Kashmir conflict, Jaishankar's comments have reignited discussions and debates within the country and beyond. The international community will closely monitor the developments, as the resolution of the PoK issue holds significant implications for regional stability and the delicate balance of power in South Asia.

Meanwhile, in PoK itself, political and human rights organizations have announced plans for a long march and sit-in protest on May 11, highlighting the region's economic woes, including unemployment, inflation, and the exploitation of natural resources. A PoK activist, Amjad Ayub Mirza, accused the Pakistani administration of attempting to sabotage the protests by ordering the deployment of police from Punjab province in the region.

Key Takeaways

• India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirms India's commitment to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
• Jaishankar emphasizes that all political parties in India are dedicated to ensuring the return of PoK, which India considers an integral part of its territory.
• The revocation of Article 370 in August 2019 has reshaped the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir and brought PoK to the forefront of public discourse.
• Jaishankar's remarks highlight the growing momentum within India to address the long-standing territorial dispute with Pakistan.
• The PoK issue holds significant geopolitical implications, with both India and Pakistan asserting sovereignty over the region.