External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar affirmed on Wednesday that every political party in India shares a commitment to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and reintegrate it with India. He emphasized that the issue of PoK has gained prominence in national discourse following the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, a decision that was once considered arduous.Groundbreaking Decision on Article 370Jaishankar, speaking at Gargi College during an interaction with students, reflected on the perception surrounding Article 370, highlighting how its entrenched status in public consciousness had led many to believe it could not be altered. However, the decisive action taken by the BJP-led government in August 2019 to revoke Article 370 demonstrated a transformative shift in the ground reality.National Consensus on PoKAsserting a unified stance on the issue of PoK, Jaishankar reiterated that there exists a parliamentary resolution affirming the commitment of every political party to reclaim PoK as an integral part of India. He underscored that while this commitment has long been enshrined in national discourse, its significance has been accentuated in recent years, particularly following the resolution of the Article 370 issue.Shift in Public PerceptionJaishankar noted a notable shift in public consciousness regarding the PoK issue, attributing it to the decisive action taken on Article 370. He emphasized the importance of nurturing the idea of reclaiming PoK in the collective consciousness, suggesting that once an idea gains prominence, its realization becomes inevitable.Growing Concerns in PoJKAmidst growing economic challenges in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), political and human rights organizations have announced plans for a long march and sit-in to highlight the plight of the locals in Muzaffarabad. Issues such as inflation, unemployment, and exploitation of natural resources have galvanized public dissent, prompting calls for action to address the grievances faced by the residents of PoJK.Jaishankars remarks underscore the unwavering commitment of the Indian government and political parties to reclaim PoK, signaling a renewed focus on the issue in light of recent developments. As concerns mount in PoJK, the push for justice and equitable treatment for its residents gains momentum, amplifying the need for meaningful action to address their grievances.
