Suhail Khan
Jammu, Mar 06 ; The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah, responded to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent remarks regarding reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) by stating, “If you can bring it back, then do it now.”
Speaking in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Abdullah as per Kashmir Despatch questioned the central government’s intent and capability to reclaim the region, while also highlighting China’s control over parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
‘Bring It Back If You Can’
Addressing the Assembly, Abdullah said, “The foreign minister has claimed that they will bring back the portion of Kashmir controlled by Pakistan. Did we ever stop them? If they can bring it back, they should do it now.”
‘Why No Talk on China?’
The National Conference leader further challenged the Centre, questioning why the government focuses solely on PoK while ignoring China’s control over parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
“One portion is with Pakistan, but another portion is with China—why doesn’t anyone talk about that?” he asked.
Jaishankar’s Remarks on Kashmir
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at Chatham House in London, discussed the situation in Kashmir and the steps taken by the Indian government, including the abrogation of Article 370, the restoration of growth, economic activity, and social justice in the region, as well as the successful conduct of elections in the Union Territory with a significant voter turnout.
He emphasized that the only unresolved issue in Jammu and Kashmir is the portion illegally occupied by Pakistan, which remains an obstacle to the complete resolution of the region’s problems.
