Srinagar, Apr 3: Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organisation, Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, on Friday said Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) would “very soon” be reintegrated with India, asserting that people in the region desire reunification.
Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Ilyasi said PoJK is an integral part of India and claimed that its residents want a referendum and are keen to rejoin the country, citing the development and prosperity witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir.
“God willing, their ‘ghar wapsi’ will take place soon. It is the people there who want it. They are happy to see the development of Kashmir. Seeing how Kashmir is progressing today, PoJK will be rejoined with India very soon,” he said.
The Chief Imam also expressed satisfaction over what he described as a “transformed” Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, highlighting increased tourism and prosperity. He noted that earlier incidents of stone-pelting had declined and that youth were now focusing on education.
Referring to last year’s terror attack in Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam that left 25 tourists and a local pony handler dead, he said tourism had briefly suffered but urged people to visit Kashmir, asserting that there is no atmosphere of fear now.
On the conflict in West Asia, Ilyasi said wars benefit no one and expressed hope for peace, adding that he expects Prime Minister Narendra Modi to play a mediating role to help end the conflict and ensure stability. (Agencies)
