PoK belongs to Pak: Farooq

NC leader said that no number of wars would change this fact

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and president of opposition National Conference (NC), Farooq Abdullah, on Saturday, said that Pakistan-occupiedKashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and it cannot be retrieved through war.

“I tell them in plain terms — not only to Indians but also to the world that PoK belongs to Pakistan and this side (Jammu and Kashmir) to India. This won’t change. Let them fight how many wars they want to. This won’t change,” he said.

PoK belongs to Pakistan and this side (Jammu and Kashmir) to India. This won’t change. Let them fight how many wars they want to. This won't change

Farooq Abdullah, NC president

He also said that restoration of internal autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir as was enjoyed by till August 9, 1953 when his father and then prime minister of the state Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was dismissed and detained by New Delhi is the solution to the persisting turmoil. “Restoration of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir is the only viable solution to decades’ old problem. It is our right and it should be restored,” he said reiterating that “as far as the solution to other Kashmir is concerned, I have said this earlier too and I am repeating it here.”

That part of Kashmir will remain with Pakistan and this part with India. Only then the peace will return to the state.” The NC leader’s statement comes close on the heels of the leaders of displaced Kashmiri Pandits at their meeting with the government’s ‘special representative’ Dineshwar Sharma demanding that the government at the Centre should take immediate steps to “liberate” PoK and also pave the way for carving out a separate homeland within the Kashmir Valley for minority Brahmin Hindu community.

Also, Union minister of state for home Hansarj Ahir said Narendra Modi is working to resolve the issue of PoK.