India 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Farooq Abdullah's comments on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, reaffirming India's commitment to reclaim PoK. He questioned why India, a nuclear power, should fear Pakistan and urged Rahul Gandhi to clarify his alliance's stance.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has strongly criticized Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah for his recent comments on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Shah emphasized that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is committed to reclaiming PoK, stressing that India, a nuclear power with a population of 130 crore, will not be intimidated by any threats.

In an interview with ANI, Shah also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning his stance on Abdullah's remarks. Shah highlighted Abdullah's statement where he suggested respecting Pakistan due to its possession of nuclear weapons and not demanding PoK. Shah questioned why India should be afraid and give up its rightful claim to PoK.

"PoK is a part of India, nobody can deny this," Shah stated firmly. He urged Rahul Gandhi to explain his alliance partner's comments that implied respecting Pakistan and relinquishing the claim on PoK. Shah reiterated BJP's position that PoK belongs to India and vowed to take it back.

The controversy began when Farooq Abdullah responded to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s comment about merging PoK with India by warning of potential nuclear threats from Pakistan. Shah clarified that any steps to integrate PoK with India would be taken at an appropriate time, considering the national and international situation. He affirmed that India has a clear objective regarding PoK.

Shah also addressed the recent protests and violence in PoK, which resulted in three deaths. He attributed the unrest to mismanagement by Pakistan and reaffirmed India's claim over the entire region of Kashmir, including PoK. Shah pointed out that it is India's prerogative to decide how to reclaim its territory.

In response to the protests in PoK, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a subsidy package worth 23 billion Pakistani Rupees for the people of PoJK. However, Shah remained resolute that PoK is an integral part of India and reiterated the BJP's commitment to reclaiming it.