K-solution possible if Pak returns PoK: EAM

Ubeer Naqushbandi

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Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 6

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said complete resolution of the Kashmir dispute was possible only if Pakistan vacated Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Jaishankar’s remarks came in response to a question from a Pakistani journalist during a session at Chatham House in London. The journalist asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi could leverage his relationship with US President Donald Trump to resolve the Kashmir issue.

“Removing Article 370 was the first step,” Jaishankar said, referring to the BJP government’s 2019 decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

“Restoring growth, economic activity and social justice in Kashmir was step number two. Holding elections, which saw a very high turnout, was step number three. Now, what remains is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir, which is under Pakistan’s illegal occupation. Once that is done, I assure you, the Kashmir issue will be resolved,” the minister said.

Chatham House chief executive Bronwen Maddox, who moderated the discussion, noted that several questions were being raised about Kashmir and human rights.

Earlier, the UK’s House of Commons had conducted a debate titled “Government support for human rights in Jammu and Kashmir”, led by Labour MP Sarah Smith.

Asked whether the Indian Government acknowledged any shortcomings in its human rights record, Jaishankar said India had been often targeted through politically motivated campaigns. “There can be situations which require redress and remedy,” he said, emphasising India’s human rights record stood stronger compared globally. “Any concern on human rights is really misplaced. I don’t see any justification for it,” he said.

Jaishankar reiterated the importance of ensuring equal benefits for all Indian citizens, an argument he has previously used to defend the government’s human rights record.

Reacting to Jaishankar's remarks, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the BJP-led government was never stopped from reclaiming PoK but questioned its stance on J&K’s land under Chinese occupation.

Speaking in the J&K Assembly, Omar said, “The External Affairs Minister says they will take back PoK. Did we ever stop them? They criticise the Congress over Haji Pir Pass. During the Kargil War, they (NDA regime) had an opportunity to reclaim it back but couldn't. If they can do it now, they should. One part of J&K is with Pakistan, another with China. Why does no one talk about the other portion?"