Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has unequivocally stated that India will never relinquish its claim on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). However, he emphasized that India will not resort to coercion to regain it. Singh expressed confidence that the people of PoK will voluntarily join India after witnessing the significant progress and development in the Indian-administered Kashmir region. He asserted that ‘India will not have to do anything’ and that ‘demands will emerge from the people of PoK that they should merge with India.’ Singh highlighted the positive transformation in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370, citing economic progress, improved security, and the return of peace. He predicted that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which grants special powers to security forces in conflict-affected areas, may soon become unnecessary in Kashmir. Singh also strongly condemned Pakistan’s proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that Islamabad must cease cross-border terrorism. He declared, ‘They are trying to destabilize India, and we will not allow it to happen.’ Regarding the ongoing border dispute with China in eastern Ladakh, Singh stated that talks are ongoing and India’s borders will remain secure. He added that India has been rapidly developing infrastructure along border areas. In a separate statement, Singh criticized the Congress party, accusing it of attempting to create Hindu-Muslim divisions. He expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will secure over 400 seats in the upcoming elections, with the BJP winning more than 370 seats. These projections, he said, are based on a thorough assessment of the ground situation.
India Will Never Give Up on PoK, Says Rajnath Singh
