“PoK is ours…” Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveils vision for Jammu and Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment Bill) 2023, and the Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2023 were passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. While highlighting the two alleged ‘blunders’ committed by Jawaharlal Nehru, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the bills would bring justice to those who have been deprived for over 70 years in their land. Moreover, the Union Home Minister asserted that ‘PoK is ours’ stating that 24 seats have been reserved for PoK. 

"The problem of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir occurred because of Pandit Nehru. Otherwise, that part would have belonged to Kashmir. Nehruji was responsible for POK," said the Union Home Minister, laying out the provisions both bills entail. “Nehru ji said it was his mistake. It was not a mistake. It was a blunder to lose so much land of this country," added Amit Shah, leading to the Opposition walking out as a mark of protest against this statement. “They are so upset over the word blunder. If I had d said 'Himalayan', they would have resigned and left,” jeered Amit Shah, taking a jibe at the Opposition.

Amit Shah delved deep into the past of Jammu and Kashmir highlighting instances to elucidate Nehru’s alleged ‘blunders.’ "Jammu and Kashmir has suffered due to two blunders. The first is to declare a ceasefire - when our army was winning, the ceasefire was imposed. If there had been a ceasefire after three days, PoK would have been a part of India today... The second is to take our internal issue to the United Nations (UN) ", said the Union Home Minister. Shah has asserted that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir would have been a part of India had Nehru played his cards correctly and more cautiously.

“PoK is ours,” said the Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserting that 24 seats have been reserved there. "Earlier there were 37 seats in Jammu, now there are 43. Earlier there were 46 in Kashmir, now there are 47 and in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, 24 seats have been reserved since PoK is ours,” said Amit Shah.

The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, proposes changes to the Union Territory's reservation act. It aims to grant job and educational reservation to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes, extending to socially and educationally disadvantaged individuals in backward villages and areas along the Line of Control and International Border. Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill enables the Lieutenant Governor to nominate up to two members from the Kashmiri migrant community to the assembly, with at least one being a woman.