Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said that if the POK is refused, India should declare a war against Pakistan because terrorist activities will continue as long as the territory exists. The Union Minister of State for Social Justice spoke at a reporter in Lonavala near Sunday, condemning the Pahargam terrorist attack, with 26 people killed on April 22.
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated last week following attacks in Jamu and Kashmir. Terrorists opened fire in Baisaran, a popular tourist destination upstream of Pahalgam in the Anantnag region, killing 26 people, mainly tourists. “As long as there is a POK, the terrorist activities will continue. I ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi that if Pakistan does not hand over the POK, we must declare a war against them,” Athawale said, calling for another surgical strike against neighboring countries.
He said the Pahalgam attack was highly condemned. “Terrorists have entered India again and again through the same route. That’s why India needs to control the POK area.” He warned that Pakistan must evacuate the area or India will start the war without hesitation, and the center is serious about it.
Athawale urged the opposition to support the government in providing support on the issue. He said: “The opposition should stand with us. This is the church that Babasaheb Ambedkar teaches us to stand with the country when needed.” The minister said: “After the abolition of Article 370, tourists began to visit Kashmir in large numbers. He said India is getting stronger and stronger, and the people of Jamu and Kashmir, including Muslims, are in the country.
