May 5th 2024.
In a recent interview with PTI, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed India's unwavering claim on Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir. However, he emphasized that India does not intend to use force to capture the region. Instead, Singh believes that the people of PoK will eventually want to be a part of India after witnessing the development and progress in Kashmir.
Singh confidently stated that the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir has significantly improved. He believes that there will come a time when the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will no longer be necessary in the Union Territory. He also mentioned that while the matter is under the jurisdiction of the Union Home Ministry, they will make appropriate decisions regarding the situation. Singh assured that elections will be held in the region, but did not provide a specific timeline.
The Defence Minister believes that India will not have to take any action in order to integrate PoK into the country. He believes that the people of PoK will demand to be a part of India due to the positive changes and progress in the region. Singh reaffirmed India's claim on PoK, stating that it has always been, is, and will remain a part of India.
Singh also mentioned that due to the improving situation in Jammu and Kashmir, there may come a time when the AFSPA will no longer be necessary. He believes that this decision is ultimately up to the Home Ministry, but he personally sees a future where the act is not needed. The AFSPA currently allows security forces to conduct operations and make arrests without a warrant, as well as granting them immunity in certain situations.
Referring to Pakistan's involvement in cross-border terrorism, Singh firmly stated that they must put an end to it. He believes that Pakistan is trying to destabilize India, but India will not allow it to happen. The tension between the two countries has increased since India's airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot in response to the Pulwama terror attack. The relationship has only worsened since India's decision to revoke the special powers of Jammu and Kashmir and divide the state into two union territories.
Despite the strained relations, India maintains that they desire a normal and peaceful relationship with Pakistan. However, they also insist that it is up to Pakistan to create an environment free of terrorism and hostility for any sort of engagement.
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