Mumbai, May 12 — Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Monday strongly stated that the government must assert to the international community that Kashmir is neither a bilateral nor an international issue, but an inseparable part of India.
In a pointed statement on social media platform X, Thackeray wrote, “I hope today it is made clear to the world by the Govt of India that Kashmir is not a part of any discussions. Kashmir is an integral part of India and will always be. It is NOT an international issue, not even a bilateral issue.”
He added, “The only thing bilateral about it is the area PoK. The occupation. That region belongs to India and has to be returned to India.”
Statement Follows India-Pakistan Ceasefire Agreement
Thackeray’s remarks come shortly after India and Pakistan reached a mutual agreement to halt all military activity following escalating tensions earlier this month. The understanding was announced after India launched Operation Sindoor on the night of May 6–7 in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives.In response, Indian armed forces launched coordinated strikes on nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), reportedly eliminating over 100 terrorists. Pakistan's counter-efforts, targeting multiple Indian military bases, were thwarted by Indian forces through a powerful retaliation aimed at installations including Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian.
US Claims Mediation, India Refutes Any External Involvement
As both nations stood on the edge of a wider conflict, US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that India and Pakistan had agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire, attributing it to US-mediated talks.However, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the cessation of hostilities on all fronts—land, air, and sea—on the same evening, without referencing any foreign intervention.
The following day, Indian government sources categorically stated that India will never accept mediation on the Kashmir issue. They reiterated that the only subject open for discussion is Pakistan vacating the territory under its illegal occupation.
Thackeray’s strong articulation echoes this stance, reinforcing the message that Kashmir is not a matter for negotiation and PoK must be restored as part of India's sovereign territory.