The situation in POK is worsening day by day. Pakistan is now fearful as its military is feeling the heat and anger of its people. The current situation conveys that India needs to stay calm and make Pakistan’s economy bleed and naturally wither away. Various videos circulating on social media depict human rights violations in POK and demand India’s support and intervention. India need not do anything or make any advertisements, people of POK will cross the border LoC themselves due to human rights violations, crises and poverty.
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) was historically a part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, as indicated in the Instrument of Accession signed in 1947. However, Pakistan illegally occupied the POK. At the time of independence in 1947, the British allowed princely states to choose between India and Pakistan. Before the leaders of the princely state could make a decision, Pakistan invaded Kashmir with Pashtun tribesmen (Raiders). Witnessing their brutal actions, the people of Kashmir willingly chose India. People in Jammu and Kashmir (including Ladakh) welcomed the Indian army, which defeated the raiders and integrated Kashmir as a part of India.
Historically, POK was handed over to Pakistan on a platter by Nehru when he decided to take the matter to the UN before the Indian army could fully capture Kashmir. The year 1971 provided another golden opportunity for India to negotiate with Pakistan. India convincingly defeated Pakistan; the army once again did its job, capturing 93,000 soldiers and a large area. However, due to failed diplomacy under the Indira Gandhi regime, India lost the chance to capture POK. Today, after decades, residents in POK seek India’s help and continue to raise slogans like ‘Ask Modi to get us freed from Pakistan,’ as reported by (Wion)
Modi is entirely different; he is a recognised strong diplomatic leader who has elevated a poor and populous nation onto the world stage of significant markets. This time, if the army captures POK, it will not be returned like Nehru did. As far as the people are concerned, it doesn’t matter much; they are more traumatized under Pakistan’s occupation and would undoubtedly be happier being in India. A few leaders here and there will be dealt with strongly in due time. If Pakistan were to speak the truth about India to its citizens, the entire country would want to join India.
Setting humour aside, I recently came across some reports in which a Muslim cleric openly expressed the sentiments of people in POK. Loud and clear, he stated, ‘If a plebiscite is held in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, more than 99 per cent of the people there would vote to become a part of the Union of India.’ At a time when Pakistan has been attempting to internationalize the issue, this bold statement by a Muslim cleric deals a heavy blow to their efforts.
The growing peaceful protests in PoK against Pakistan are demanding the attention of the world community. Certainly, people face problems such as human rights violations and economic crises. The ground reality, however, is different. People are demanding education, employment, and a peaceful region. Most individuals in these regions, afflicted by abject poverty, are disinterested in power politics. Their concerns are confined to necessities such as bread and education. They are willing to vote to join any country that can provide them with these essential needs. Grassroots activist groups and organizations in PoK continue to protest against inflationary pressure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In PoK, a puppet government is elected by the Pakistani Army. The Prime Minister of the so-called Azad Kashmir has less power than a bureaucrat in India.
The people of POK have been deeply inspired by India’s policies, integrity, sovereignty, unity, and above all, equality among all citizens. They admire India for its peace, progress, and prosperity. The residents of POK have experienced India’s support during natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, which has further influenced their positive perception of India.
POK is fundamentally a part of the original Kashmir region, which has been illegally occupied with the aid of Pakistan since 1947. It holds strategic importance due to its proximity, sharing borders with various international locations. These include Pakistan’s Punjab and North-West Frontier Provinces (now called Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) to the west, Afghanistan’s Lakhan Hall to the north-west, China’s Xinjiang province to the north, and India’s Jammu and Kashmir to the east.
The situation in POK is worsening day by day. Pakistan is now fearful as its military is feeling the heat and anger of its people. The current situation conveys that India needs to stay calm and make Pakistan’s economy bleed and naturally wither away. Various videos circulating on social media depict human rights violations in POK and demand India’s support and intervention. India need not do anything or make any advertisements, people of POK will cross the border LoC themselves due to human rights violations, crises and poverty.
POK is important and Pakistan is taking advantage of it while dejecting the common people of POK. It has tourism potential and that potential has been neglected due to the launching pads and shelter for the terrorists’ training and accommodations.
Strategically, POK is crucial for India, and India’s claim is both genuine and logical. The geographic location is critical for India’s national security due to China, India’s expansionist and treacherous neighbour. Whether it’s the 1965 war, the recent Galwan Valley incident, or incidents involving investments like FDI in HDFC or spying on Indian citizens’ privacy through TikTok and many other recently banned apps, India has realized the importance of safeguarding its borders.
China, being an all-weather friend of Pakistan, depends largely on oil and gas imports from the Middle East. However, it is aware that it cannot afford to provoke India, given India’s capability to blockade Chinese ships in the Indian Ocean region, stretching from Andaman to Chabahar port, in case of a war. To counter India’s advantage, China has been working on initiatives like the String of Pearls and CPEC.
If India reclaims POK, it will be easier in the future to handle potential two-front wars by keeping Pakistan and China separate geographically. By blockading CPEC and controlling the Indian Ocean, India can force China to step back. These strategic moves would enhance India’s security and create a more stable regional environment.”
Please note that the geopolitical situation is complex, and these statements are subject to change based on real-time developments and policies.
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