After Narendra Modi's remarks, BJP calls for support for PoK movement

Jammu: Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP today called for "moral, political and financial" support to the "freedom movement" in PoK. "Provide moral, political and financial support to the freedom movement in PoK," BJP state spokesperson Brigadier Anil Gupta said. He welcomed Modi's remarks that PoK is a part of Jammu and Kashmir and the process of dialogue must be initiated with expatriates all over the world from the region. Gupta claimed that since the announcement of the results of the recently held "rigged" elections, the slogan of 'azadi' (freedom) has been reverberating in PoK and widespread protests going on in all the major towns such as Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Chinari and Kotli. "The protests are spontaneous and an expression of disgust and anger over the atrocities committed by the federal government and the Pakistani army. In fact, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, also part of Jammu and Kashmir, too have revolted against exploitation and repression by Pakistan," he said, adding that the residents of these regions have also expressed their anger over the "massive" presence of Chinese people there. "Since PoK, including Gilgit-Baltistan, is part of Jammu and Kashmir, India is well within its right to provide moral, political and financial support to the people there to help them in their just struggle for freedom from Pakistan which has been illegally occupying these areas since 1948," said Gupta. He also welcomed the statement of the Prime Minister that Pakistan needs to be exposed globally by highlighting its atrocities in PoK and Balochistan and claimed that by stating that talks will be held with all the stakeholders on Kashmir, Modi has allayed the fears of the people of Jammu and Ladakh.