Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called on the Indian government to reclaim not only the Pakistan-occupied territories of Jammu and Kashmir but also the areas currently under China’s control. His remarks come in response to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent statement on the Kashmir dispute.
Jaishankar had stated that the resolution of the Kashmir issue would occur once the “stolen” parts of the valley are returned to India. Speaking at the Chatham House in London, he remarked, “The part we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir which is under illegal Pakistani occupation. When that’s done, I assure you, Kashmir is solved.”
In response, Abdullah, who is currently leading the Jammu and Kashmir government in alliance with Congress, questioned the government’s stance. “The Foreign Minister said PoK will be retrieved. Who has stopped you? Have we ever said do not bring it back? We have always maintained to bring it back if that is your intention… But why didn’t you bring it back during the Kargil war? Wasn’t there an opportunity then, when Pakistan had attacked us? Doesn’t matter if you couldn’t do it back then, but do it now. Who among us has opposed it?” Abdullah said.
He also highlighted the issue of Chinese occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “But not just Pakistan has occupied a part of Jammu and Kashmir, China too has occupied a part. Why does no one talk about bringing back the part under China’s control? I urge the government to work towards reclaiming both parts of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Jaishankar’s comments were met with applause from several attendees during his speech. Additionally, he praised the Modi government’s decision to revoke Article 370 on August 5, 2019, calling it a historic step that paved the way for restoring economic growth, social justice, and holding elections with high voter turnout.
Abdullah, however, criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for linking the abrogation of Article 370 with the rise in terrorism in the region. He questioned the BJP on the alleged increase in terrorism since the constitutional change was implemented.
