RSTV: THE BIG PICTURE- PoK: THE UNFINISHED AGENDA
Introduction:
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to India, which expects to gain physical control over the region one day, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said against the backdrop of heightened tensions with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. Terrorism is the only issue India is willing to discuss with Pakistan, and the world community understands that the changes made in Jammu & Kashmir are an internal matter and aimed at tackling issues such as cross-border terrorism, Jaishankar said, addressing his first news conference since assuming office to mark the first 100 days of the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) second term in government. He also virtually ruled out meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan on the margins of the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York.
Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) is that part of the Jammu and Kashmir (India) which was invaded by Pakistan in 1947. The region is referred by the United Nations and other international organizations, as ‘Pakistani-controlled Kashmir’ (or Pakistan Administered Kashmir) and it was re-named as ‘Pakistan occupied Jammu-Kashmir’ by the Modi government.
PoK divided into two parts:
Pakistan occupied Kashmir is divided into two parts:
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)
- Gilgit-Baltistan (referred to as the ‘Northern Areas’ till August 2009)
Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan is also called Azad Kashmir and is attached to the western part of Indian Kashmir.
Baltistan was the area of west Ladakh province which was occupied by Pakistan in 1947.
After the repeal of article 370 now the Indian people are demanding to recapture the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).
What is the root of the fight between India and Pakistan?
- The fact that PoK is an integral part of India has been our consistent policy ever since 1947.
- In 1947, Pakistan’s Pashtoon tribals attacked Jammu and Kashmir.
- So to tackle this critical situation the Ruler of that time Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir sought military assistance from the Indian government and the then Indian Governor General Mountbatten signed an agreement on 26 October 1947signed in which three subjects Defense, Foreign Affairs and Communications were handed over to India.
- Except these subjects Jammu and Kashmir was free to all its decisions.
- On the basis of this accession of treaty, the Government of India claims that India has the full right to interfere in the matters related to Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan on the other hand doesn’t agree with India.
- The legality of transfer of territory of J and K through the instrument of accession to India is unquestionable.
- Unanimous resolution of the Parliament talks about whole of J & K been a integral part of India.
- Pakistan’s claim on Kashmir is based on the declaration of 1993. As per this declaration, Jammu & Kashmir was among those 5 states in which rule of Government of Pakistan was supposed to be established. But India never accepted this claim of Pakistan.
- We have made clear to the world that it is the internal matter of India.
Why is PoK important?
Because of its location, PoK is of immense strategic importance. It shares borders with several countries – the Punjab and North-West Frontier Province provinces (now called Khyber-Pakhthunkhwa) in Pakistan to the west, the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan in the north-west, Xinjiang province of the People’s Republic of China to the north and India’s Jammu and Kashmir to the east.
Challenges for India in PoK region:
- Terrorist infiltration through the region is high.
- Pakistan has changed the demography of PoK over a period of time.
- It has settled ex- servicemen, Punjabi’s and Pathans so the original colours of PoK has changed.
- Gilgit Baltistan region is easy as compared to other.
Way Forward:
- We need to push for human rights audit in PoK region.
- The anti Pakistani movement can be taken up in Gilgit Baltistan region.
- Hard measures against terrorist infiltration.
- Emotional and moral support to the people of PoK.
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