Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik said Wednesday that instead of waging a war, Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) could be retrieved by making the Indian side of the state prosperous to the extent that people living across the dividing line rise in revolt and seek to become a part of J&K.

Referring to statements by BJP leaders, including some ministers, that after stripping J&K of its special status and splitting the state into two Union territories, the government’s next target was to liberate PoK, the governor said: “For the past 10-15 days, some of our ministers, who otherwise hardly get a chance to speak on international issues, continue to talk of invading PoK and making it a part of India.”

He then said: “This is their way of thinking. I say if the next target is PoK, then we could, instead of war, retrieve it by making Jammu and Kashmir amply prosperous. If we are able to hold the people of J&K with great reverence, make them distinguished and the best among all citizens of the country... can secure the future of their children, boost trade and business in J&K, bring about prosperity and generate electricity here to the extent that its glimmer is seen in PoK, then I assure you that within one year the people of PoK will rise in revolt and you will get it without going for a war.”

He added: “Then each and every resident of PoK will say he wants to go to the other side. My plan for PoK is the ultimate development of J&K.”

Mr Malik, who was speaking at a function here, said no effort will be spared in making J&K and Ladakh a shining example of development in the country. He said: “Corruption has no place in the J&K and Ladakh of our dreams. My effort is to wipe out corruption.”

The governor urged the media “to tell people about the normality that is prevailing in Kashmir, where the situation till date is by and large peaceful and there is no report of any untoward incident”. He said hospitals and schools are open, basic amenities and supply of essential commodities are unhindered, the problems of Kashmiri students studying outside J&K are being taken care of by liaison officers of the government, and recently the ‘Market Intervention Scheme’ for procurement of apples was launched to support fruit growers in the Valley.