Addressing the ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized on Wednesday the palpable comparison residents of PoK are drawing between their situation and that of people in Jammu and Kashmir.
“There is a ferment happening in PoK. You can see it on social media or television. The analysis of it is very complex but definitely I have no doubt in my own mind that someone living in PoK is comparing their situation with someone actually living in Jammu and Kashmir, saying that how is it that people today are actually progressing on our side,” stated EAM Jaishankar.
He said that people on the other side have a sense and understanding of being under occupation, being discriminated and being treated badly. “Clearly, any such comparison would be preying on their minds,” EAM said.
Reiterating India's stance on the status of PoK, EAM Jaishankar reminded that a portion of Kashmir has always been an integral part of India.
"That segment of Kashmir has been and will forever remain part of India... as for when the occupation there will cease? That's a thought-provoking question," he remarked.
EAM Jaishankar highlighted that the issue of PoK wasn't as prominent before the abrogation of Article 370.
“There was at one point in the 1990s when some pressure was put on us by Western countries at that time parliament unanimously passed a resolution,” he recalled.
The region has witnessed violent protests recently, sparked by a surge in electricity prices.
Tragically, three individuals lost their lives, and six sustained injuries as Pakistani security forces resorted to firing on demonstrators.
