‘PoK would have joined Jammu and Kashmir if…’: CM Omar Abdullah's pitch for statehood in Independence Day address
His remarks come amid continued action by Pakistani security forces against people in PoK, with several protesters reportedly killed in firing in recent months.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for strengthening federalism in the country, stating that it is one of India's biggest strengths. In his Independence Day speech, Abdullah expressed concerns about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where protesters have been killed and jailed for demanding their democratic rights, according to NDTV.
Abdullah said that if the constitutional structure of Jammu and Kashmir had not been changed in 2019, the people of PoK would have been protesting to reunite with the region. He felt that the decision taken by leaders 80 years ago to separate from Pakistan was the right one, citing slogans raised by Kashmiris at the time, "Hamla awar khabardar, hum Kashmiri hain tayyar" (the invaders be informed that we Kashmiris are ready). The Chief Minister expressed sadness and perturbation over the situation in PoK.
According to Hindustan Times, Pakistani security forces have been taking action against people in PoK, with several protesters reportedly killed in firing in recent months. Abdullah's comments come amid this backdrop, with The Indian Express reporting that he also warned against the use of central agencies to usurp state powers, citing the example of Jantar Mantar.
Brief written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times, The Indian Express - India, The Indian Express, NDTV - India News, The Hindu — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
