'PoK Will Merge With India On Its Own Soon': Union Minister VK Singh

Union Minister Gen (Retd) VK Singh has expressed the belief that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will eventually merge with India on its own accord in due time. He made this statement in response to the demand from PoK residents to unite with India, which emerged during a Parivartan Sankalp Yatra (PSY) event in Dausa, Rajasthan.

Clarifying his party's stance on the matter, he remarked, "PoK will naturally become a part of India; just be patient for some time." These comments come in the wake of China's recent release of a 'standard map,' asserting its territorial claims over regions in Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin.

India had strongly protested against this so-called 2023 "standard map" through diplomatic channels, as confirmed by Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.

In response to Singh's remarks, a Member of Parliament from Shiv Sena (UBT) Sanjay Raut said,''...We have always dreamed that there be an 'Akhand Bharat'. We always say that PoK is ours. But when the former Army chief was holding the post, he should have tried then to make it ours. How can you do it now?.''

He continued, "We will welcome it if any effort is made towards that but before that, make Manipur peaceful. China has reached Manipur. Rahul Gandhi says that China has entered Ladakh and has taken our land, parts of Arunachal Pradesh are being shown by China on its map - end this first. After that PoK will merge with India on its own, you are not required for that to happen."