External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday reacted to the ongoing unrest in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, highlighting the difference the people living there must be feeling in comparison to those living in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at an event in Kolkata, Jaishankar said, “Today, there are certain ferments happening in POK. 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 living in Jammu and Kashmir and seeing how people there are progressing nowadays. They know the sense of being under occupation or being discriminated or treated badly.”
“It (POK) has always been with India and it will always be India. Till Article 370 was invoked, there wasn’t much discussion about POK,” news agency ANI quoted Jaishankar as saying.
Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir has been simmering after protests broke out over rising costs of food, fuel, and utilities.
Several videos on social media show local clashing with the police and forces. Some videos also show ‘Azadi’ (freedom) slogans being raised by a group of protesters against Pakistan.
On May 12, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the release of Rs 23 billion for POK for power and wheat subsidies to placate the protesters. However, the protests continue in the region.
On May 8, Jaishankar asserted that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is a part of India and said that every Indian political party was committed to ensuring that POK returns to India.