PoK Debate After Operation Sindoor: After the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India’s strong retaliatory response through Operation Sindoor, the spotlight is once again on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The emotional connection Indians feel for this part of Kashmir — forcibly held by Pakistan since 1947 — has resurfaced. And now, the conversation is no longer just about military operations or diplomatic stand-offs. Instead, a significant shift is being noticed in India’s political narrative.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a recent statement, hinted at a new strategic approach. According to him, PoK will itself demand to be a part of India, inspired by India’s growth and development. His words have stirred a new debate: Is India planning to reclaim PoK without war, through diplomacy and internal uprising within PoK itself?
Let’s break down the full context and explore whether PoK can return to India without a military conflict — and if yes, how?
Why PoK Matters to India
Every Indian, whether a politician or a common citizen, carries the pain of losing part of Kashmir. Regions like Gilgit-Baltistan and Hunza Valley, which are now under Pakistan’s control, are historically, geographically, and emotionally tied to India.
The 2019 speech of Home Minister Amit Shah in the Parliament clearly asserted that PoK is an integral part of India, not just a piece of land but a crown jewel of Bharat — stretching from Gilgit to Baltistan.
What Did Rajnath Singh Say?
Rajnath Singh stated that India had the power to act strongly, but chose the path of strategic restraint. This has led many to believe that during Operation Sindoor, India could have targeted PoK more directly, but decided to hold back for now.
His most powerful message? “Now the only conversation will be about PoK.”
He confidently said PoK will rise and say: ‘We want to be a part of India.’
This is not just political rhetoric. As the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh’s words carry weight, and his calculated language suggests a shift in India’s official stance on PoK.
Notably, PM Narendra Modi has referred to PoK twice in the last ten days, which indicates a coordinated strategic communication.
Will PoK Come Back Without War?
That’s the biggest question.
India sees only two possible paths for PoK’s return:
- Diplomacy and internal demand within PoK
- Military conflict
The Modi government’s recent statements hint at putting pressure on Pakistan — diplomatically and psychologically — to give up PoK or at least engage in talks.
But is that realistic?
A Look Back: How Pakistan Captured PoK
In 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu & Kashmir decided not to join either India or Pakistan. But on 22 October 1947, Pakistan sent tribal militias disguised as locals into Kashmir.
As they advanced, looting and committing atrocities, Hari Singh sought India’s help. On 26 October 1947, he signed the Instrument of Accession to join India.
The next day, 27 October, Indian forces landed in Srinagar and began pushing back.
But by 1 January 1949, after India approached the United Nations, a ceasefire was declared — leaving Pakistan in control of the territory now known as PoK, which includes:
- Gilgit-Baltistan (14 districts)
- Core PoK (10 districts)
- Shaksgam Valley (Aksai Chin) – handed over by Pakistan to China, around 5,180 sq. km.
PoK: Divided for Strategic Use
Pakistan has effectively divided the occupied territory into:
- Gilgit-Baltistan: Considered a separate entity
- PoK: Labeled as “Azad Jammu and Kashmir”
- Shaksgam Valley: Given to China for strategic benefits
This division helps Pakistan maintain military and political control, while China uses the region for its CPEC (China–Pakistan Economic Corridor) project — giving it deeper access into Pakistan and influence over the region.
The Ground Reality in PoK
Why would PoK voluntarily want to return to India?
Because the situation inside PoK is rapidly deteriorating:
- Economic distress
- No development
- Suppression by Pakistani military
- Lack of educational and healthcare infrastructure
In contrast, Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing a development boom:
- GDP of J&K (India): ₹2.20 lakh crore
- GDP of PoK: ₹77,723 crore
- Indian J&K Budget: ₹1.06 lakh crore
- PoK Budget: ₹7,921 crore
Education infrastructure comparison:
- Indian J&K: 35 colleges/universities
- PoK: Only 6
In essence, PoK residents look at Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg, and desire the same lifestyle, opportunities, and dignity.
Videos and protests from Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Mirpur show widespread anger against Pakistan. Many are calling for independence or even reunification with India.
Military Sentiment and Public Expectation
During a recent visit to Chitrakoot, Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi was asked by spiritual guru Jagadguru Rambhadracharya to offer PoK as guru dakshina (spiritual offering). The General said: “You will get it.”
This symbolic exchange reflects the strong public desire in India for the reunification of Kashmir, and the fact that the Indian military is prepared if and when the decision is made.
Why Reclaiming PoK Matters Strategically
If PoK comes back:
- Terrorism and Separatism will end, as training camps in PoK would be dismantled.
- China-Pakistan nexus through PoK would be broken, reducing threats to India.
- India would gain direct connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia through Gilgit.
A New Chapter in India’s PoK Policy?
Statements from PM Modi, Rajnath Singh, and Amit Shah indicate that India may no longer be satisfied with maintaining the status quo. Instead, India is actively working to build internal pressure within PoK, using:
- Strategic restraint
- Development diplomacy
- Military deterrence
- Global narrative
If the residents of PoK rise against Pakistan and demand a merger with India — something that’s becoming more plausible with each passing year — it could be the first peaceful integration of a lost territory in South Asia’s history.
