NEW DELHI: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday likened Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) to a room in India’s home that outsiders have taken over, stressing that it must be reclaimed. Speaking at an event in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, he made the remarks while referring to the enduring unity of an undivided India.
“Many Sindhi brothers are present here. I am glad to see them. They did not go to Pakistan; they went to undivided India… Circumstances have brought us here from that home, but that home and this one are not separate,” Bhagwat said.
Referring to undivided India, he added, “The whole of India is one home, but one room of our house — where my table, chair, and clothes once were — has been taken over. Strangers have occupied it.”
Calling for its recovery, he said, “Tomorrow, we have to take it back. Therefore, we must always remember the concept of undivided India.” His remarks were met with thunderous applause from the audience.
The RSS chief’s comments came just days after the Indian government criticised Pakistan over the ongoing unrest in PoJK, asserting that Islamabad must be held accountable for its “oppressive policies” and “grave” human rights violations.
Pakistan authorities on Thursday confirmed that eight people had been killed during four days of violent protests in the region, which India continues to maintain is illegally occupied by Pakistan.
“We have seen reports about demonstrations in several parts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir, including the brutal actions by Pakistani forces against civilians. We believe this is a direct outcome of Pakistan’s repressive governance and the exploitation of resources from these areas, which remain under its forcible and unlawful occupation,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at a media briefing, reiterating that PoJK was, is, and will always remain an integral part of India.
