London: Jaishankar Highlights Kashmir Developments, Calls Out Pakistan
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar spoke about the situation in Kashmir, emphasizing key steps taken by the Indian government, including the abrogation of Article 370, economic revival, social justice initiatives, and the successful conduct of elections with a high voter turnout in the Union Territory.
He further stated that the only unresolved issue in Jammu and Kashmir is the region illegally controlled by Pakistan, asserting that its return is essential for a complete resolution.
Jaishankar Calls for Return of PoK, Reaffirms India’s Stand on Kashmir
Speaking at Chatham House in London, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar highlighted India’s approach to resolving the Kashmir issue, emphasizing key steps such as the abrogation of Article 370, economic revival, social justice measures, and the successful conduct of elections with high voter turnout.
Addressing a question on Kashmir, Jaishankar stated:
“In Kashmir, we have done a good job solving most of the issues. Removing Article 370 was step one. Restoring growth, economic activity, and social justice was step two. Holding elections with a high turnout was step three. The only thing left is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir under illegal Pakistani occupation. Once that happens, I assure you—Kashmir is solved.”
India’s Commitment to PoK’s Return
Jaishankar has consistently reiterated India’s stance on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). On May 9, 2024, while addressing students at Delhi University’s Gargi College, he reaffirmed that PoK is an integral part of India, stating:
“There is a parliamentary resolution, and every political party in this country is committed to ensuring that PoK, which is a part of India, returns to India. That is our national commitment.”
He also noted that the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 has made people more aware of the PoK issue, stating:
“Now that we have taken the right decision on Article 370, the PoK issue has come to the forefront of public consciousness. The first step toward any action is for people to start thinking about it.”
“PoK Was Never Out of India”
On May 5, 2024, during an event in Cuttack, Odisha, Jaishankar reiterated that PoK remains a part of India and criticized past governments for failing to assert India’s claim:
“PoK has never been out of this country. There is a resolution by the Indian Parliament affirming that PoK is very much a part of India.”
He remarked that Pakistan’s illegal occupation was a consequence of India’s failure to act decisively in the early years of independence, adding:
“When you have someone who is not a responsible custodian of the house, an outsider comes and steals from it.”
Jaishankar emphasized that efforts are being made to reintroduce the PoK issue into national discourse, as previous governments had attempted to erase it from public memory.
