Seminar on PoK

The first ever comprehensive seminar on PoK organized by the Department of Strategic and Regional Studies of Jammu University unfolded a variety of aspects--- geography, history, politics, society, ethnicity and economy---- of a region that formed part of the original State of Jammu and Kashmir prior to the tribal incursion of October 1947. Given the democratic culture of our educational institutions, a lively debate on some contentious issues pertaining to the history of PoK took place in the course of deliberations.

It is intriguing to know that while Pakistan has always been speaking of extending moral, political and diplomatic support to the "azaadi movement' in Kashmir valley, New Delhi has seldom told Pakistan publicly that the first thing to be talked about Kashmir is of Pakistan withdrawing her troops and militias from PoK and Gilgit and Baltistan in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations. It will also be noted that though most of the territory occupied by Pakistan and renamed as "Azad Jammu and Kashmir" is from Jammu region yet the Indians call it just "Pakistan Occupied Kashmir", which is factually not correct. This anomaly needs to be corrected.

Why New Delhi has adopted unrealistic attitude in setting the record straight? These questions are to the amusement of young scholars desirous of conducting study and research on the contemporary history of the state. Jammu University deserves kudos for initiating very open and frank academic discussion of current situation in the region. The significance of the seminar is revealed by the fact that apart from experts and specialists in the field, the GOC-in-C Northern Command, Lt. General Parnaik was the Guest of Honour and spoke on the subject in the inaugural session besides the Vice Chancellor of the university. It was a treat to listen to compact yet comprehensive presentation of the Army Commander particularly his assessment of security scenario in the background of significant Chinese presence in Gilgit-Baltistan region and the implications of militarizing the Karakorum Highway.

What the audience appreciated most in General's presentation was the confidence and determination he reflected in the Indian nation wanting implementation of the 1994 unanimous resolution of the parliament in regard to the parts of the State of Jammu and Kashmir illegally occupied by Pakistan. The fact is that while there has been a lot of fuss about inclusive talks between the two countries and Pakistan's oft repeated cliché of talks including Kashmir, New Delhi never felt it necessary to speak about Pakistan vacating the parts of the State she has illegally occupied in 1947.

The Vice Chancellor of Jammu University was very right in envisioning the expansion of the Department of Strategic and Regional Studies in the light of great importance the entire Central and South Asian region is assuming in geo-strategic scenario. He is right in realizing the importance of language-based expertise as catalyst to objective and balanced research and analysis of current situation in the entire region.