New Delhi witnessed a significant gathering on Sankalp Diwas, marking the 25th anniversary of India’s official resolution of 22nd February 1994, which reaffirms Jammu & Kashmir as an integral part of India. The event was organized with the collaboration of Jammu-Kashmir Peoples Forum, Mirpur-Pakistan Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK) Balidan Bhawan Samiti Delhi, JK Study Centre, and Adhivakta Parishad of the Supreme Court at the Indian Society of International Law, V.K. Krishna Menon Bhawan, Bhagwan Das Road, New Delhi.
The discussions delved into crucial aspects such as the political betrayal that led to foreign invasions, China’s encroachment on Ladakh, the massacre in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK), and territories occupied by Pakistan and China in Ladakh. The event was graced by eminent speakers, including Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister and PMO, Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India, Captain Alok Bansal, Director of India Foundation, and Sanjay Poddar, Senior Advocate.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh termed Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir as a miscarriage of history, justice, and Indian foreign policy. He highlighted the partition of India as one of the greatest blunders, attributing it to the ambitions and vested interests of Nehru and Jinnah. He criticized the lack of a public mandate in partition and condemned Cyril Radcliffe for drawing international borders without stepping out of Delhi, which led to mass disturbances.
Dr. Singh underscored how Nehru’s decisions, including the ceasefire, involvement of the United Nations, and the handling of princely states, weakened India’s position, leading to the exodus and genocide of Hindus in the region. He emphasized that Article 370 was exploited by those with malicious intent, but the historic move of its abrogation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has transformed Jammu & Kashmir. He lauded the resilience of Kashmiri Pandits and the region’s unprecedented progress post-Article 370 abrogation, concluding with the assertion, “Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who played a pivotal role in defending the abrogation of Article 370, echoed the sentiments of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, referring to India as “a living, breathing entity, not just a piece of land.” He recounted how many believed that removing Article 370 was impossible, but under Modi’s leadership, it became a reality within a day.
Mehta highlighted Sardar Patel’s role in integrating Indian states and criticized Sheikh Abdullah for creating hurdles in Jammu & Kashmir’s full integration. He emphasized the need for a firm approach toward reclaiming POJK, POTL (Pakistan Occupied Territories of Ladakh), and COTL (China Occupied Territories of Ladakh). He concluded by asserting that only PM Modi possesses the political will and courage to achieve this goal, warning that if this opportunity is missed, it may never come again.
Captain Alok Bansal, Director of India Foundation and author of “Occupied Territories of Bharat,” provided an in-depth analysis of the strategic motivations behind Pakistan and China’s encroachments. He highlighted that Pakistan aims to control liveable territories, while China is interested in barren, strategically significant land.
Bansal shed light on Pakistan’s division of POJK into Gilgit-Baltistan and Mirpur-Muzaffarabad, emphasizing that the absence of governance has led to rampant human rights violations, especially against women. He underlined the importance of restoring the historic Sharda Peeth temple in Teetwal, calling it a landmark achievement. He concluded with a powerful reminder: “A nation loses its territory not when it is taken, but when it is forgotten. It is our responsibility to educate future generations about these historical truths.”
Senior Advocate Sanjay Poddar emphasized that Sankalp Diwas has been observed since 1994, but open discussions on Jammu & Kashmir’s full integration gained momentum only in the Modi era. He praised the citizens of India for realizing past mistakes and contributing to the nation’s vision for Jammu & Kashmir.
Poddar called for greater engagement with local populations in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly those who feel alienated, to further the sense of national belonging. He concluded with a call to action: “Much has been achieved, but much remains to be done.”
Sankalp Diwas reaffirmed that India, under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, has reclaimed its historical identity and aspirations. The event celebrated the progress of Jammu & Kashmir post-Article 370 abrogation, while also setting the stage for future efforts in reclaiming Pakistan-occupied territories and ensuring justice for displaced communities.
The speakers collectively highlighted that India’s resolve remains firm, and the struggle for reclaiming its occupied territories is not just a political objective but a national duty. As the nation progresses, the commitment to Jammu & Kashmir’s full integration continues to strengthen, reinforcing the message that justice delayed is not justice denied.
