"PoK will merge with India on its own": Union Minister VK Singh

Former Indian Army chief and current Union Minister VK Singh made a significant statement on Tuesday, claiming that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) would eventually merge with India on its own. He made this statement while addressing a press conference as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Parivartan Sankalp Yatra in Rajasthan's Dausa. Singh's statement came in response to questions regarding the demands of Shia Muslims, who have been advocating for the opening of the Kargil border crossing with India.

Singh stated, "PoK will merge with India on its own; wait for some time."

PoK is currently divided into two regions: Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, with a total population of approximately 4.5 million, with the majority being Muslims (97%), and a minority comprising Hindus, Christians, and others (3%).

Reacting to VK Singh's comments, Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut expressed a welcoming attitude toward any effort aimed at PoK's merger with India. However, he urged the need to prioritize ensuring peace in Manipur and countering China's advances in Manipur, Ladakh, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj also weighed in, accusing VK Singh of attempting to divert the country's focus from China-related concerns.