There are many groups in POK that are demanding independence from Pakistan due to lack of development and infrastructure and want to merge with India.
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| Banjosa Lake - POK |
On February 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after the removal of Article 370, an article that had granted special autonomous status to the region. During his visit, PM Modi dedicated 220 development projects worth a whopping Rs 32,000 crore to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This visit was an opportunity for the Prime Minister to highlight the progress made in the region since the abrogation of Article 370, and he took the time to share details about the various development works undertaken by his government. However, it is unfortunate to note that Pakistan, the neighbouring country, is not pleased with these developments and is reportedly hatching a new nefarious conspiracy. The people of Pakistan are now showing admiration for the progress made by Modi in the Indian region of Jammu & Kashmir. This is because the living conditions in POK(Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir) are abysmal, with basic necessities such as electricity and water supply being scarce. Adding to this, the entire country of Pakistan is facing a severe food crisis, as people are forced to stand in long queues for basic sustenance. As a result, an increasing number of people have started advocating for the separation of Kashmir from Pakistan and joining India seems to be the favoured solution. This movement is gradually gaining traction, with many activists within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir voicing their support. On the global stage, there are also several prominent voices raising awareness about this issue.
The ongoing conflicts between India and Pakistan with regard to Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) have remained a deeply complex and contentious issue in South Asian geopolitics. The dispute over the region of Kashmir dates back to the partition of British India in 1947, and since then, it has become a focal point of conflict between the two neighbouring nations. The conflict has been marked by a long history of violence, political manoeuvring, and diplomatic efforts, as well as deep-seated cultural and religious tensions. The situation in Kashmir remains highly volatile, with sporadic incidents of violence and human rights abuses reported on both sides of the border.
Historical Background of POK
The partition of British India in 1947 resulted in the formation of two new countries - India and Pakistan. The partition was accompanied by widespread communal violence and mass migrations that led to significant human suffering. Following the partition, some princely states were given the option to either join India or Pakistan. One such state was Jammu and Kashmir, which was ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh at the time.
Unfortunately, Jammu and Kashmir did not escape the violence and chaos that accompanied the partition. On October 22, 1947, the Pakistani army attacked Jammu and Kashmir, leading to a prolonged conflict over the region. However, Maharaja Hari Singh decided to allow the Indian Army to enter Jammu and Kashmir and merge it with India. But by the time Indian forces intervened, Pakistan had already captured some parts of Kashmir, which is now known as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).
Since the decision to merge Jammu and Kashmir with India, the region has seen many changes, including a long period of terrorism and violence. Unfortunately, these incidents have resulted in the displacement of many families from Jammu and Kashmir. According to reports, around 41,844 families were displaced from Jammu and Kashmir during the years 1947, 1965, and 1971. The displaced people had to leave their homes and belongings behind, and many of them still struggle to find a stable life even today.
Creation of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir
Following the First Indo-Pakistani War, a part of the Kashmir region came under the control of Pakistan. This region, known as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) in India, is still a matter of dispute between India and Pakistan, with India claiming its authority over the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has divided its controlled Kashmir into three separate parts. The first part, Azad Kashmir, has its own independent government and is considered a self-governed state. The second part, Gilgit-Baltistan, has been granted a semi-autonomous status, with a governor appointed by Pakistan. The third part, which has been gifted to China, is named Aksai Chin. This region, located in the northeast part of the region, has been under Chinese control since the 1960s. Recently, China has initiated a massive infrastructure project in this region, called the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which aims to develop transportation and communication infrastructure, including roads and railways. The CPEC has attracted investment from various countries, including China and Pakistan, and is expected to play a significant role in enhancing trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
India-Pakistan Wars and POK
Subsequent battles between India and Pakistan, particularly in 1965 and 1971, reinforced the divide of Kashmir, with POK remaining under Pakistani control. Despite periodic diplomatic efforts, the Kashmir problem, particularly POK, has continued to exacerbate tensions and confrontations between the two countries.
Kashmir, a princely state with a predominantly Muslim population but a Hindu king, became a source of friction among the newly established nations. The Maharaja of Kashmir, under pressure from both India and Pakistan, acceded to India in 1947, resulting in the First Indo-Pakistani War.
Although people who reside in PoK live in worse conditions than slaves, the region is known by its overlords in Pakistan as Azad Kashmir. The Pakistani army has been repressing people in PoK and promoting terror in Kashmir for decades under the pretext of independence. People are beginning to realize that there is nothing beneficial that a nation on the point of economic collapse can do for them. Here, common people find it challenging to have even two meals a day. Under such circumstances, the poisoning that was disseminated in Kashmir under the guise of religion is also starting to wear off.
Current Situation
The present scenario concerning POK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) is characterized by recurrent outbreaks of violence along the Line of Control (LoC), which serves as the demarcation line between the Indian and Pakistani-administered territories of Kashmir. The two nations have made several assertions and counter-assertions over the region, frequently leading to military skirmishes and cross-border shelling.
Recently, Indian security agencies have received information that Pakistan has a large number of telecom towers in PoK. For this, a Special Telecommunication Organization (STO) has been formed by the Pakistani Army. It is led by Pakistan Army officer Major General Omar Ahmed Shah. Shah has also been an ISI spy. Actually, YSMS technology is being used in these, with the help of which they can be connected to smartphones and radio sets. With this, Pakistani terrorists can talk to the terrorists hiding in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), if any country wants to install telecom towers, then its signal can be increased only up to a limit, but international laws have been continuously violated by Pakistan.
Arguments on POK's Merger with India
The longstanding territorial dispute between India and Pakistan over the region of Jammu and Kashmir has remained unresolved for decades. India maintains that the region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) is an integral part of its territory, based on historical, legal, and ethical grounds. The Indian government argues that the merger of the POK with India would fulfil the aspirations of the people living in the region and lead to socioeconomic development.
On the other hand, Pakistan and Kashmiri separatist groups reject India's claims over POK, advocating for its independence or integration with Pakistan. They argue that any attempt to merge POK with India would violate the rights of the Kashmiri people and would further exacerbate tensions in the region. The issue has remained a major point of contention between the two countries and has led to several conflicts, including wars and skirmishes.
The condition of roads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) is quite poor and in need of immediate attention. The lack of infrastructure development in the region has led to a lack of employment opportunities for the local population, which has resulted in many people from the region migrating to other parts of Pakistan in search of jobs. Whereas, Indian Jammu & Kashmir has made remarkable progress in the fields of health, management, education, infrastructure, and all the other important areas. Today, it boasts of being home to the three premier institutions of India, namely AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), IIT (Indian Institutes of Technology), and IIM (Indian Institutes of Management). These institutions are widely recognized for their excellence in education and research and attract students from all over the country. The presence of such esteemed institutions in Jammu & Kashmir has not only enhanced the state's reputation but has also opened up new avenues for growth and development in the region. Even though Pakistan has been advocating for the integration of the entire Kashmir region into its territory for the last 60 years and celebrating the Kashmir cause every day, there has been little progress in terms of actual development in the region.
Furthermore, there is a similar situation in Balochistan, where the Pakistani government has failed to provide basic infrastructure and development, leading to widespread resentment among the local population. Several organizations in Balochistan are demanding independence from Pakistan due to this lack of development and infrastructure. The government of Pakistan needs to address these issues to prevent the situation in these regions from deteriorating further.
AIIMS in Indian J&K
International Stance
The long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan over POK has been a cause of concern for the international community, with major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia urging both countries to engage in dialogue and seek peaceful solutions. To facilitate peace, various international organizations and individual countries have undertaken initiatives and mediation efforts to bring about a resolution to the Kashmir conflict.
However, despite numerous attempts at dialogue and reconciliation, the conflict remains unresolved, with several challenges continuing to pose obstacles. These include deep-rooted mistrust between the two nations, territorial disputes, the proliferation of militant groups, and the volatile security situation in the region. These challenges make it difficult to find a lasting and sustainable solution to the conflict.
Prospects for Resolution
The Kashmir conflict has long been a contentious issue between India and Pakistan, with a permanent solution still seemingly out of reach. However, in recent times, there have been signs of a thawing of relations between the two nations, offering a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution. Diplomatic engagements, confidence-building measures, and Track II diplomacy initiatives have played a crucial role in fostering dialogue and understanding between the two countries. Despite the progress made, it is clear that there is still a long way to go. Nevertheless, Indian and Pakistani YouTubers are using their platforms to showcase the positive aspects of both nations and promote love and empathy, a small but significant step towards a more harmonious future.
Humanitarian Concerns
The prolonged conflict in the disputed region of Kashmir, which includes Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), has resulted in severe humanitarian consequences. The civilian population has been the most affected by the violence and instability that has ensued. The situation has been further compounded by reports of human rights violations, such as arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, and restrictions on freedom of expression. These have raised deep concerns among the international community that have called for immediate action to address the situation. The ongoing unrest has not only affected the people of Kashmir but also has wider implications for regional security and stability.
During the 54th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Nasir Aziz Khan, central spokesperson of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), said, 'Despite Pakistan's claims of controlling extremist groups, the recent abduction (of more than 20 teenagers in Bagh, Atrocities like the kidnapping of boys are continuing. He said that these boys have been forcibly taken by internationally banned extremist groups for armed training and so-called jihad.
Public Opinion
The India-Pakistan conflict over POK is a complex issue that has generated divergent views among the public. Historical narratives, political ideologies, and media propaganda have all contributed to shaping public opinion on the matter. While some argue for peaceful resolution and reconciliation, others remain entrenched in nationalist rhetoric, perpetuating hostility and mistrust between the two nations.
India and Pakistan, two countries that gained independence together, have had different trajectories in terms of progress. India has grown to become one of the world's fastest-growing economies, while Pakistan remains plagued by terrorism, violence, and poverty. Against this backdrop, the people of PoK, which is illegally occupied by Pakistan, are seeking refuge in India. These individuals have been living a life of misery due to the poor living conditions in Pakistan. They want to join India as soon as possible to escape their current situation. As a result, the demand for merging with India is gaining momentum day by day.
Economic Implications
The long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) has far-reaching economic implications for the region. The conflict has resulted in hindrances to trade, investment, and regional cooperation, which have adversely impacted the economic growth of the region. The ongoing tensions have also led to a sense of uncertainty and instability, which has deterred investors and businesses from investing in the region.
A peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute could unlock the immense economic potential of the region and foster greater prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The region is rich in natural resources and has a strategic location that makes it a potential hub for regional trade and commerce. A peaceful resolution of the conflict could lead to the opening up of new trade routes and the establishment of new business ventures, which could create employment opportunities and boost economic growth in the region.
Moreover, resolving the Kashmir dispute would lead to greater regional cooperation and integration, which could further enhance economic growth and development. The region has immense potential in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and handicrafts, which could be harnessed to create sustainable livelihoods and promote inclusive growth. Thus, a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute is essential for unlocking the economic potential of the region and fostering greater prosperity for its people.
Way Forward
Achieving lasting peace and stability in South Asia is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Given the persistent challenge posed by the India-Pakistan conflicts over Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), both India and Pakistan must engage in meaningful dialogue and negotiations that specifically address the root causes of the Kashmir conflict.
To achieve this goal, confidence-building measures, cross-border initiatives, and people-to-people exchanges can be employed to build trust and pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the India-Pakistan disputes. Such measures can help to reduce mutual suspicion and hostility and create an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect.
A comprehensive and inclusive approach to conflict resolution is necessary, one that takes into account the perspectives and concerns of all stakeholders. This will require a sustained and dedicated effort by both India and Pakistan, as well as the international community, to find a just and equitable solution that respects the rights and aspirations of all parties involved.
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