Paromita Das
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Parliament, on February 22, 1994, passed a historic resolution reaffirming that Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of Bharat. This resolution not only strengthened Bharat’s unwavering position on the region but also sent a clear message to Pakistan and China that their illegal occupation of Bharatiya territories would not be accepted. The resolution asserted Bharat’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and reiterated that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) must be reclaimed.
Since then, successive Bharatiya governments have maintained this stance, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration taking decisive steps, most notably the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The removal of J&K’s special status was a momentous move that reshaped the region’s political landscape and reignited discussions on the possibility of reclaiming PoK. However, this remains a complex challenge, requiring a mix of diplomatic, strategic, and grassroots-level preparations.
The 1994 Parliamentary Resolution: A Defining Moment
The 1994 resolution was a watershed moment in Bharat’s foreign and security policy, strengthening Bharat’s resolve against external interference in Jammu & Kashmir. The resolution specifically condemned Pakistan for:
- Sponsoring terrorism in J&K by training and funding terrorist groups in PoK-based camps.
- Infiltrating foreign mercenaries into Jammu & Kashmir to destabilize the region.
- Engaging in violence, murder, and abduction to create a climate of fear.
- Propagating false narratives about Jammu & Kashmir to mislead the international community.
The resolution categorically reaffirmed that:
- Jammu & Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of Bharat.
- Any attempt to separate J&K from Bharat will be met with strong resistance.
- Bharat has the right to reclaim PoK and will never compromise on its territorial integrity.
- Pakistan must immediately vacate illegally occupied territories of J&K.
- Bharat is capable of responding firmly to any interference in its internal affairs.
This resolution remains the foundation of Bharat’s stance on Jammu & Kashmir, influencing both diplomatic policies and national security strategies.
RSS’s Role in Keeping the PoK Issue Alive
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has played a key role in raising awareness about Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Over the decades, the RSS and its affiliated organizations have consistently demanded the reclamation of PoK, ensuring that this issue remains a significant part of Bharat’s nationalist discourse.
Organizations like Jammu & Kashmir People’s Forum and Mirpur (POJK) Balidan Bhawan Committee have been at the forefront of educating the public about PoK’s historical and legal status. Events such as ‘Sankalp Diwas’ on February 28 are organized annually to commemorate the 1994 resolution and reinforce Bharat’s claim over PoK.
The RSS’s Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) and Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (ABKM) have repeatedly passed resolutions on PoK, urging the Bharatiya government to take steps toward reclaiming the occupied territories.
Past Initiatives by RSS on PoK
- In 1960, the RSS criticized the government for allowing Pakistan to build the Mangla Dam in PoK, which indirectly legitimized Pakistan’s illegal occupation.
- In 1963, RSS leaders called for prioritizing the return of PoK during Bharat-Pakistan negotiations.
- Throughout the 1990s, the RSS passed multiple resolutions urging the government to take concrete action on PoK.
- In 2012, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat declared that PoK rightfully belongs to Bharat.
- In 2016, Bhagwat emphasized the need for Bharat to reclaim both PoK and Aksai Chin from Pakistan and China.
- In 2022, RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale stated that PoK residents want freedom from Pakistan’s rule and look toward Bharat for liberation.
The RSS’s continued advocacy reflects its commitment to Bharat’s territorial integrity and nationalistic vision.
J&K and Ladakh: Who Controls What?
Following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Jammu & Kashmir was reorganized into two union territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. However, large portions of these territories remain under illegal occupation by Pakistan and China:
- Pakistan controls 78,114 sq. km, referred to as PoK.
- China occupies 37,555 sq. km of Ladakh, captured during the 1962 Indo-China war.
- Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq. km to China in 1963.
The 1947 and 1962 Invasions: The Root of the Dispute
After Bharat’s Independence in 1947, Pakistan invaded Jammu & Kashmir under the pretext of supporting local rebellion, capturing a significant portion of the region. This led to the first Indo-Pak war (1947-48), after which Pakistan retained control over PoK.
Similarly, in 1962, China waged war against Bharat and captured vast areas of Ladakh, including Aksai Chin. Pakistan further strengthened its ties with China in 1963 by ceding part of PoK to Beijing, creating a two-front challenge for Bharat.
Bharat’s Diplomatic and Military Strategy on PoK
Bharat has consistently opposed Pakistan’s attempts to internationalize the Jammu & Kashmir issue. At every diplomatic forum, Bharat has:
- Rejected Pakistan’s claims and reaffirmed that J&K, including PoK, is an integral part of Bharat.
- Highlighted Pakistan’s human rights violations in PoK, exposing its oppressive rule.
- Asserted that PoK is not a “disputed” territory but “illegally occupied Bharatiya land.”
The revocation of Article 370 in 2019 was a major diplomatic victory, as it:
- Weakened Pakistan’s ability to falsely claim that J&K had a “special status.”
- Strengthened Bharat’s administrative control over Jammu & Kashmir.
- Increased global support for Bharat’s position.
The Roadmap for Reclaiming PoK
Reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remains a complex geopolitical challenge. A direct military operation could lead to war with Pakistan, making diplomatic groundwork essential. Steps to be taken include:
- Strengthening diplomatic pressure: Highlighting human rights abuses in PoK and increasing global awareness.
- Building international alliances: Engaging with countries that oppose Pakistan’s control over PoK.
- Empowering PoK residents: Supporting movements within PoK that oppose Pakistani rule.
- Economic and military readiness: Ensuring Bharat’s economic and defense capabilities are strong enough for any eventuality.
The RSS and nationalist organizations are playing a crucial role in mobilizing public sentiment in favor of reclaiming PoK. With Bharat’s growing military and economic strength, the long-term goal of integrating PoK remains a strategic priority.
Conclusion: A Unwavering Commitment to Bharat’s Sovereignty
The 1994 resolution reaffirmed Bharat’s territorial integrity, and today, under PM Modi’s leadership, the country has taken concrete steps to secure Jammu & Kashmir. The abrogation of Article 370 was a historic milestone, and PoK remains the next frontier.
Bharat’s diplomatic, strategic, and grassroots efforts continue to lay the foundation for reclaiming PoK. While the path to reclaiming lost territories may be long and challenging, Bharat’s resolve remains unshaken.
As nationalist voices grow stronger and Bharat’s global influence expands, the vision of an undivided Jammu & Kashmir—free from illegal occupation—continues to inspire millions. The dream of reclaiming PoK is no longer just a political slogan—it is a strategic goal that Bharat is steadily working towards.
The post Bharat’s Unbreakable Resolve: The 1994 Resolution, PoK, and the Path to Reclaiming Lost Territories appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
