Mumbai, May 13: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance on Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) during a seminar on Indian Capital Markets in Mumbai. He asserted, “PoJK is a part of India. It is part of India, it was always part of India, it will be part of India.” Jaishankar expressed India’s intention to end the illegal occupation of PoJK and integrate it with India.
He also addressed the criticism surrounding the abrogation of Article 370, emphasizing the Modi government’s commitment to integrating Kashmir with the country and developing the region. Jaishankar highlighted the clear choice between those who supported Article 370 and those advocating for its abrogation.
Responding to concerns about Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, Jaishankar criticized leaders who advocated avoiding discussions on PoJK due to Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities. He emphasized India’s pride in its nuclear arsenal and accused such leaders of being beholden to vote bank politics.
Meanwhile, tensions persisted in PoJK as protests against high prices and inflated bills entered their fourth day. A long march led by the Awami Action Committee set off for Muzaffarabad, with sit-ins disrupting key roads. Clashes between protesters and law enforcement resulted in casualties and injuries, prompting heightened security measures.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for a high-level meeting to address the situation as negotiations between protesters and the government reached an impasse. The deployment of security forces and disruptions in daily life underscored the ongoing tensions in the region.
