Amit Shah Reveals Stance on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir at Serampore Rally
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh/15th May 2024
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated India’s stance on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during a rally in West Bengal’s Serampore, affirming that it is an integral part of India and emphasizing India’s commitment to reclaim it. Shah drew attention to the contrasting situations in Kashmir and PoK, highlighting the peaceful atmosphere in Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370 compared to the ongoing protests and unrest in PoK.
Shah’s remarks come in the wake of protests in PoK, triggered by issues such as inflation, which escalated into violence after Pakistan Rangers officers opened fire at demonstrators, resulting in fatalities. The protests, initially sparked by police force used against protestors in Mirpur, gained momentum following a call for region-wide protests by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC).
In his address, Shah criticized Congress leaders, particularly Mani Shankar Aiyar, for their reluctance to support the demand for reclaiming PoK, dismissing their concerns about Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities. Shah asserted India’s unequivocal claim over PoK, reaffirming the government’s resolve to reclaim the territory.
Shah framed the ongoing Lok Sabha elections as a choice between the “corrupt leaders of the I.N.D.I. alliance” and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he depicted as an honest politician. He urged voters to decide between supporting infiltrators or the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) for refugees and between voting for jihad or development.
Additionally, Shah criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for opposing the CAA and organizing rallies in support of infiltrators to secure her vote bank, underscoring the ideological divide between the BJP and regional political leaders.
Meanwhile, the protests in PoK, spearheaded by the JKJAAC, have escalated due to longstanding grievances such as the lack of tax-free electricity and subsidies on essential commodities like wheat flour. The protests, ongoing for over a year, intensified in recent weeks, prompting the government to engage in dialogue with the protestors. However, discussions between the parties reached an impasse, leading Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to announce a Rs 23 billion aid package for the region in an attempt to quell the unrest.
The complete strike initiated by the protests has paralyzed daily life across PoK, underscoring the severity of the situation. PM Sharif, while announcing the aid package, acknowledged the gravity of the crisis, acknowledging the urgent need for addressing the region’s grievances.
Shah’s remarks on PoK resonate within the broader context of India-Pakistan relations and domestic politics, reflecting India’s assertive stance on territorial integrity while also serving as a rallying cry for the BJP’s electoral campaign. The juxtaposition of Kashmir’s tranquility with PoK’s turmoil serves as a narrative tool to reinforce the BJP’s narrative of strong leadership under Prime Minister Modi and contrast it with the perceived inefficacy of opposition parties like the Congress.
As the Lok Sabha elections unfold, Shah’s remarks on PoK and the ensuing protests underscore the geopolitical complexities intertwined with domestic political rhetoric, highlighting the intersection of national security, territorial integrity, and electoral strategy in shaping India’s political landscape.
