Why PoK Is Back in Spotlight Amid Operation Sindoor: A Historical & Strategic Overview

Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) has returned to the center of public and political discourse in India following the heightened buzz around Operation Sindoor, a term gaining traction across media and strategic circles. With tensions flaring along the Line of Control (LoC), and India’s assertive posture in diplomatic and defense platforms, PoK is once again making global headlines.

This article explores why PoK is back in focus, the background of Operation Sindoor, and the broader geopolitical, historical, and strategic implications of these developments.

What Is PoK and Why Is It Significant?

Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) refers to the region of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir that has been under Pakistani control since the 1947–48 Indo-Pak war. It includes two main parts:

• Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) – Administered by Pakistan but not recognized as a separate country.
• Gilgit-Baltistan – A mountainous region that borders China and Afghanistan.

PoK holds immense geopolitical significance due to its strategic location, resource-rich landscape, and its role in the broader Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan.

India officially considers PoK as an integral part of the country and includes it in its constitutional map of Jammu and Kashmir.

Why Is PoK Back in the Spotlight Now?

1. Operation Sindoor: The Catalyst

While not officially acknowledged by Indian authorities, Operation Sindoor has become a talking point among defense watchers. It is speculated to be a strategic, multi-domain plan focusing on strengthening India’s military preparedness along the LoC, specifically in regions opposite PoK.

Social media chatter, expert columns, and political debates suggest that Operation Sindoor includes:

• Reinforced troop deployment in forward posts
• Advanced surveillance and drone systems
• Infrastructure push in border villages
• Psychological operations to counter cross-border propaganda

The name “Sindoor” – symbolically associated with identity and territorial belonging – is interpreted as India’s renewed assertion over PoK.

2. Rising Political Rhetoric

Recent political statements from Indian leadership have once again reiterated the goal of regaining PoK. Speeches referring to “poora Kashmir hamara hai” (all of Kashmir is ours) have sparked debate in international forums and media outlets.

3. China-Pakistan Axis in PoK

China’s expanding presence in Gilgit-Baltistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is another reason PoK remains a critical flashpoint. India has consistently objected to China’s infrastructure projects in a region it considers illegally occupied.

The growing proximity between China and Pakistan in PoK is prompting India to re-strategize its defense and diplomatic outlook.

Historical Context of PoK

1947–48: First Indo-Pak War

After Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession with India in 1947, Pakistani tribal militias invaded Kashmir. The war resulted in a UN-mediated ceasefire, leaving Pakistan in control of approximately one-third of the region — now known as PoK.

1962–63: Sino-Pak Collusion

Pakistan ceded a part of PoK (Shaksgam Valley) to China, intensifying India’s concerns about a two-front threat in the region.

1999: Kargil War

The conflict once again spotlighted PoK as Pakistani intruders infiltrated Indian territory through LoC routes from PoK.

2019: Abrogation of Article 370

India’s constitutional reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in August 2019 further intensified the debate over reclaiming PoK.

International Response & Strategic Importance

While India maintains that PoK is its sovereign territory, the international community continues to treat the region with caution, urging both countries to resolve the dispute diplomatically.

PoK holds immense strategic value:

• Serves as a corridor between Pakistan and China (CPEC).
• Controls major Himalayan passes and water sources.
• Offers access to Central Asian trade routes.

India’s increasing investments in infrastructure near the LoC — including roads, tunnels, and surveillance outposts — reflect its readiness to deal with any conflict scenario and enhance strategic deterrence.

Military Readiness & Border Vigilance

Reports of troop movements, intelligence sharing, and upgrades in border defenses around the LoC indicate India’s proactive defense stance. While Operation Sindoor hasn’t been formally confirmed, defense analysts suggest that the operational preparedness is both preventive and symbolic — sending a message to both Pakistan and China that India is watching developments closely.

Domestic Sentiment & Public Support

With national security remaining a key political issue, the topic of PoK has gained traction among Indian citizens. From social media campaigns like #PoKIsIndia to increased awareness of border villages and veterans’ sacrifices, there is strong public sentiment favoring assertive national policy.

What Lies Ahead?

The PoK debate is unlikely to subside soon. Key developments to watch include:

• India’s defense modernization along the northern front.
• Diplomatic signals from Pakistan, China, and the United Nations.
• Official word (or silence) from the Indian government on Operation Sindoor.
• Increased international scrutiny on human rights and military activity in the region.

Conclusion

The renewed spotlight on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) amid buzz around Operation Sindoor is a complex interplay of history, strategy, and evolving geopolitics. While official confirmations may be limited, the movements on the ground, rising rhetoric, and international stakes indicate that India’s posture on PoK is becoming more assertive.

As the world watches, one thing is clear — PoK is no longer just a frozen dispute; it’s a live issue with profound implications for South Asia’s future.