Himanta Biswa Sarma Questions Indira Gandhi’s PoK Decision

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday made a bold remark questioning the decision of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi regarding Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Speaking at a press conference, Sarma expressed that if Gandhi were alive today, he would have asked her why she did not seize the opportunity to reclaim PoK after India’s victory in the 1971 war. His comments have sparked significant debate, especially among political analysts and historians.

Sarma’s statement came as part of his ongoing discourse on national security and territorial integrity. He emphasized that India’s overwhelming military success in the 1971 war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh, should have been leveraged to secure PoK. The remark is seen as part of the broader narrative where Sarma and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) consistently focus on taking a firm stand on national issues.

Why PoK Still Remains a Critical Issue for India

The region of PoK, which includes Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, remains a contentious issue between India and Pakistan. After the 1971 war, a ceasefire was declared, and India and Pakistan signed the Shimla Agreement in 1972. While the agreement resulted in a peaceful resolution of many issues between the two countries, PoK was left out of the discussions, much to the dissatisfaction of many in India.

Sarma’s comments focus on the fact that the Shimla Agreement did not result in any significant change in the status of PoK, which India has always claimed as its own. He stressed that the 1971 victory, which led to the defeat of Pakistan, should have been the perfect time for India to strengthen its claims over PoK. Sarma’s remarks have reignited debates on the long-standing territorial dispute, with many questioning whether the Indian government at the time missed an opportunity to assert sovereignty over the region.

Sarma’s View on National Security and Territorial Integrity

The Chief Minister of Assam has been outspoken on matters concerning national security. His statement on PoK is seen as an extension of his broader commitment to safeguarding India’s territorial integrity. Sarma has previously criticized Pakistan’s actions regarding Kashmir and has consistently advocated for a strong response to cross-border terrorism.

By raising the issue of PoK, Sarma has once again highlighted the importance of national security in his political ideology. The BJP, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken a firm stance on the Kashmir issue, including the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. Sarma’s comments underscore the BJP’s continued emphasis on asserting India’s claims over all of Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK.

Political Reactions and Criticism

Sarma’s comments on PoK have stirred mixed reactions across the political spectrum. While BJP leaders and supporters have backed his remarks, citing India’s historical claim over the region, opposition leaders have raised concerns about the timing and the political intent behind such statements. Critics argue that focusing on PoK may divert attention from more pressing issues, including economic challenges and regional conflicts.

Many political observers have noted that Sarma’s remarks could be part of the BJP’s strategy to galvanize its support base by emphasizing nationalism and sovereignty. In the context of rising tensions with Pakistan and growing support for the party in Assam and other northeastern states, such statements are seen as a way to rally the party’s core supporters.

A Long-Standing Issue with No Immediate Resolution

The issue of PoK is deeply rooted in India’s history, and despite various attempts to resolve it diplomatically, the region continues to be a source of tension between India and Pakistan. Over the years, both countries have had multiple rounds of dialogue, but PoK has remained a stumbling block in any potential peace agreement.

India’s position on PoK is clear: it considers the region an integral part of its territory. The abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 strengthened India’s claim over the entire region, including PoK. However, Pakistan continues to administer PoK, and the region remains a point of contention.

The debate surrounding PoK and India’s territorial claims over it has been reignited several times throughout history, and Sarma’s comments bring the issue back to the forefront of national discourse. His statement reflects the sentiments of many in India who believe that the country should assert its rightful claim over PoK, especially given the historical context of the 1971 victory.

While some see Sarma’s remarks as a call to strengthen India’s position, others view it as a rhetorical strategy designed to appeal to nationalist sentiments. The issue of PoK is not just a political one but also deeply emotional for many in India, as it represents a long-standing territorial dispute that continues to affect the relationship between India and Pakistan. In this light, Sarma’s call to revisit the decisions of the past is likely to resonate with those who believe that India must take a more aggressive stance in its foreign policy.

Furthermore, Sarma’s comments could be seen as a challenge to the traditional diplomatic approach that has dominated India’s dealings with Pakistan regarding PoK. India has often relied on dialogue and negotiation in its dealings with Pakistan, but the results have been less than satisfactory. Sarma’s criticism of the Shimla Agreement and his suggestion that India should have acted more decisively may signal a shift in the way some Indian leaders view the resolution of territorial disputes.

Additionally, while Sarma’s statement has drawn attention to PoK, it also reflects the larger geopolitical context in which India operates. The changing dynamics in the South Asian region, the rise of China’s influence, and growing concerns about cross-border terrorism have all contributed to India’s evolving foreign policy. In this context, Sarma’s remarks may be seen as part of a broader effort to assert India’s influence and safeguard its national interests in an increasingly complex regional landscape.

India’s stance on PoK is unlikely to change in the short term, but Sarma’s remarks may help amplify discussions about the region’s future. As tensions continue to simmer between India and Pakistan, the question of PoK remains central to India’s territorial integrity. While the issue is complicated by international diplomacy, historical grievances, and security concerns, Sarma’s call for a reassessment of past decisions highlights the urgency with which some Indian leaders view the need to address the situation.