Bring Back Not Only PoK but Also J&K’s Part Under China’s Occupation: Omar Abdullah
Srinagar 06 March 2025: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called on the BJP-led government to not only retrieve Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) but also the part of the Union Territory (UT) under illegal occupation of China. His remarks came during a heated debate in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, where he criticized the BJP for accusing the National Conference (NC) of insulting the region’s last ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh.
Omar Abdullah’s Challenge to the BJP
Omar Abdullah challenged the BJP leaders to provide a single instance where the NC or any other Kashmir-based party insulted Maharaja Hari Singh. He accused the BJP of disintegrating and downgrading the Muslim-majority state by separating Ladakh from Jammu and Kashmir and abolishing laws related to land and jobs that were meant to safeguard the people.
“The Foreign Minister is saying that we will get back the part of J&K which is under the occupation of Pakistan. Who has stopped them? Have we ever said that do not get it back?” the Chief Minister said, winding up the discussion on the motion of thanks to Lt Governor Manoj Sinha’s address in the Assembly in Jammu.
Jaishankar’s Statement on PoK
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking during a session at the Chatham House think-tank in London, stated that the Kashmir dispute would be solved after the “return of the stolen part of Kashmir which is under illegal Pakistani occupation”. Omar Abdullah responded by questioning why the government did not address areas under Chinese control, pointing out that “one part is with Pakistan, and another is with China”.
Historical Context and Missed Opportunities
Referring to the Kargil conflict of 1999, Omar Abdullah mentioned that there was an opportunity for India to reclaim PoK because it was Pakistan that attacked India. “If you were so willing, you would have brought back that part but what stopped you? When you look at the map of Jammu and Kashmir, one part is also in China but you do not talk about it,” he said.
Restoration of Statehood and Public Holidays
Omar Abdullah reiterated his demand for the restoration of J&K’s statehood, which was revoked in 2019 when the region was bifurcated into Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. He criticized the BJP for justifying the separation by claiming it was the long-pending demand of the people of Ladakh without consulting them. “From day one, the people of Kargil were against this decision. The Buddhists of Ladakh who distributed sweets are today of the opinion that they were better placed with J&K. They walked from Leh to Delhi to get back their rights,” he said.
Respect for Historical Figures
The Chief Minister also took a dig at the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma for his “derogatory remarks” against the July 13, 1931 “martyrs” and emphasized the importance of respecting those who rose against autocracy. “Though we have different political ideologies, they deserve respect for rising up against the autocracy and their sacrifice led to the formation of this Assembly,” he said.
Farooq Abdullah on India-Pakistan Relations
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah stated that an improvement in India-Pakistan relations would be beneficial for Jammu and Kashmir. “If relations between the two countries improve, it is a good thing for us,” he told reporters outside the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
Bottom-Line
Omar Abdullah’s remarks highlight the ongoing political tensions and the complexities of the Kashmir issue. His call for the retrieval of both PoK and the part of J&K under Chinese occupation underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to resolving territorial disputes. The emphasis on restoring statehood and respecting historical figures reflects the broader aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
