In a fiery speech, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath predicted that India will reclaim POK under the leadership of BJP. He urged voters in Jammu and Kashmir to support the party for development and security in the state. Adityanath also placed the blame on Congress, PDP, and National Conference for promoting terrorism and neglecting Kashmir.
India's Aspirations for Reclaiming Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK)
In a recent speech, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed India's intention to reclaim Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) under the leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This declaration has reignited tensions between India and Pakistan, and raised questions about the historical context and current status of POK.
Historical Background
Kashmir has been a contested territory between India and Pakistan since their partition in 1947. Following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, Kashmir was divided into two parts: Indian-Administered Kashmir and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir (POK). Pakistan has maintained control over POK since then.
India's Claim to POK
India claims POK as part of its territory based on the Instrument of Accession signed by the then-ruler of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh. The instrument stated that Jammu and Kashmir would accede to India in matters of defense, foreign affairs, and communications. However, Pakistan has disputed the authenticity and legality of the accession.
Pakistan's Stance
Pakistan maintains that the people of Kashmir have the right to self-determination and should be allowed to choose whether they want to be part of India or Pakistan. Pakistan also claims that India has violated the ceasefire line established in 1949.
Current Situation
The issue of POK remains unresolved, and both India and Pakistan have occasionally engaged in cross-border firing and skirmishes. India has repeatedly stated that it will not tolerate any attempts by Pakistan to change the status quo. Pakistan, on the other hand, has affirmed its commitment to defending POK.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
India claims POK as its territory, but Pakistan disputes this claim. The international community generally recognizes the ceasefire line established in 1949 as the de facto border between India and Pakistan.
POK is strategically important to India as it borders China and provides access to the Aksai Chin region. India also considers POK as integral to its territorial sovereignty.
Pakistan maintains that the people of Kashmir have the right to self-determination and should choose whether they want to be part of India or Pakistan. Pakistan also claims that India has violated the ceasefire line established in 1949.
The likelihood of India reclaiming POK through military action is low. Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons, and any attempt to resolve the issue by force would likely lead to catastrophic consequences.
A peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict would require both India and Pakistan to engage in negotiations and find a compromise that addresses the aspirations of the people of Kashmir. However, there is currently little progress towards such a resolution.
Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty has clarified that the state government agreed to join the Centre's PM SHRI scheme to prevent the loss of approximately ₹1,500 crore in central funds. He stated that the state will not compromise on its education policies and will continue to publish its own textbooks. With the agreement allowing either party to withdraw at any time, the minister asserted that Kerala has the right to approach the court if necessary. He added that funds from the scheme are also used to support autism centres and other projects in the state, making it crucial for the education department to take steps to prevent the loss of funds.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed his first election rally in Bihar and expressed confidence in winning the upcoming polls. He mocked the opposition INDIA bloc and praised the unity within NDA, highlighting leaders like Nitish Kumar, Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Upendra Kushwaha. Modi also criticized the 'jungle raj' under RJD and Congress and highlighted Bihar's progress under Nitish Kumar's tenure. Despite the upcoming Chhath festival, the PM thanked the crowd for attending and described the recent GST rate revision as a 'festival of savings'.
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