Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement—that the people living on the other side of the Line of Control (LoC) are part of India’s family and will one day voluntarily join the national mainstream—is a powerful reaffirmation of our long-standing position on Jammu and Kashmir. It is more than a political remark; it is a symbolic gesture rooted in the aspirations of millions of Indians who envision a unified, peaceful, and prosperous Kashmir, free from external occupation and internal strife. This expression of inclusion, extended even to those residing in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), underscores a profound truth: the emotional and civilisational bonds between the people of the entire region and the rest of the country remain intact despite decades of geopolitical division. By referring to the inhabitants of PoJK as “family,” the Defence Minister has reinforced the idea that integration is not merely about territorial sovereignty, but about shared history, cultural continuity, and the collective dream of national unity. The sentiment resonates deeply with the people of India, who have long viewed PoJK as an inseparable part of the nation. This perspective is not rooted in mere territorial ambition, but in the painful legacy of Partition, the unresolved status of PoJK, and the persistent human rights violations in those areas under Pakistani control. For decades, reports have highlighted the disenfranchisement, lack of development, and suppression of civil liberties in PoJK. Against this backdrop, Singh’s statement carries a message of hope—for those across the LoC who may yearn for freedom and dignity, and for Indians who believe in justice and reunification. Importantly, the Defence Minister’s words reflect our confidence in the power of democratic values and development. He did not speak of force or coercion, but of voluntary inclusion—signifying faith in the strength of the country’s constitutional framework and our capacity to inspire allegiance through prosperity, freedom, and rights. This is the soft power India must continue to wield: to be a beacon for those across the LoC who live under a system of control rather than choice. The road to integration is complex and fraught with geopolitical challenges, but the moral clarity of our stance should remain unwavering. Statements like Singh’s are necessary reminders that the issue of PoJK is not forgotten, and that India’s vision for Jammu and Kashmir is one of wholeness, peace, and unity. Ultimately, it is not about redrawing maps, but about healing divisions. We must continue to engage the international community, strengthen internal unity, and uphold values so that one day, the dream of a reunited Kashmir—through the will of its people—can become a reality.