Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, India, made a provocative claim in a recent statement that Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) will become a part of India within six months if Prime Minister Narendra Modi wins a third term. This statement is not only a blatant disregard for international law and the sovereignty of Pakistan but also a grave threat to regional peace and stability.
Pakistan categorically rejects any attempts to change the status of AJK, which is a disputed territory that has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947. The Kashmir issue is a long-standing dispute that has been recognized by the international community, and any attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo are unacceptable.
India’s claims on AJK are based on a flawed understanding of history and a deliberate misinterpretation of international law. The Kashmir region, including AJK, was a princely state that was not part of British India and was free to choose its own destiny after the partition. The Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, signed an instrument of accession with India, but this was conditional upon the will of the people, which was never ascertained. The people of Kashmir have consistently demanded the right to self-determination, which is enshrined in the United Nations Charter and numerous resolutions of the UN Security Council.
Furthermore, India’s human rights record in the Kashmir Valley is appalling, with widespread reports of human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of dissent. The Indian government’s attempts to change the demographic makeup of the region by revoking Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, have been widely condemned by the international community.
Pakistan stands firm in its commitment to the people of Kashmir and will not be intimidated by India’s aggressive posturing. We will continue to support the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people, as enshrined in the UN resolutions, and will not compromise on our sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Any attempts by India to alter the status of AJK will be met with a resolute response from Pakistan. We will not hesitate to defend our territory and the rights of the people in the region. The international community must take note of India’s aggressive behavior and intervene to prevent any further escalation of tensions.
In conclusion, Pakistan will not be bullied or intimidated by India’s aggressive claims on AJK. We will continue to stand firm in our commitment to the people of Kashmir and will defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.