India Links PoK Protests To Pakistan's Resource Exploitation Policy

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the media, stating that the protests witnessed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are a direct result of Islamabad's ongoing policy of systematically exploiting the region's resources, on Friday.

Jaiswal emphasized that this exploitation deprives the local populace of their rightful ownership and benefits derived from these resources. The remarks were made during the routine weekly media briefing, as per ANI reports.

Photo Credit: X/ANI

Further elaborating, Jaiswal highlighted the stance that the Union Territories of Jammu, Ladakh, and Kashmir are an integral and inseparable part of India, a sentiment also reiterated by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Jaishankar emphasized India's firm stance against cross-border terrorism, asserting that Pakistan must cease such activities to be regarded as a normal neighbour. He also reiterated India's steadfast position that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has always been, and will continue to be, an integral part of India, as reported by ANI.

This assertion aligns with previous statements made by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who earlier in the month declared that India would not resort to force to claim PoK. Singh expressed confidence that the people of PoK, upon witnessing the development initiatives in Kashmir, would naturally aspire to be part of India.

The collective statements from Indian authorities underscore a consistent and firm position regarding Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, emphasizing India's sovereignty over the region and advocating for the rights of its people.