Sri Nagar: National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah responded strongly to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent remarks regarding Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to media reports, Abdullah stated that Pakistan is “not wearing bangles” and possesses nuclear weapons.
Singh had earlier stated that India would never relinquish its claim on PoK, suggesting that the region’s residents would voluntarily choose to join India as Jammu & Kashmir’s prosperity grows. He expressed confidence that as the economy of Jammu and Kashmir improves and peace is restored, the people of PoK would desire integration with India.
Singh reiterated India’s stance on PoK, emphasizing that it has been, is, and will remain an integral part of India. He also mentioned that Jammu and Kashmir would soon hold assembly elections, although he did not specify a date.
Regarding the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Singh indicated that it might become unnecessary in Jammu and Kashmir as the situation improves, leaving the decision to the Home Ministry.
On the issue of Pakistan’s involvement in the Jammu and Kashmir conflict, Singh accused Pakistan of attempting to destabilize India, vowing that India would not allow it.
In response, Farooq Abdullah challenged Rajnath Singh to take action to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir if he believes it should be done. He emphasized that Pakistan, like India, is not passive and warned that “atom bombs will fall on us” if tensions escalate.
The strained relations between India and Pakistan have been evident since the Pulwama attack in February 2019, which led to India conducting airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot. The situation escalated further in August 2019 when India revoked Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and divided the region into two union territories.
Notably, India has expressed its desire for normal and friendly relations with Pakistan, but has emphasized the need for Pakistan to create a terrorism-free environment for this to happen.
