Praising the Centre for the “positive changes” in Kashmir after the abrogation of provisions of Article 370, Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, chief imam of the All India Imam Organisation, on Friday (April 3, 2026) said Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) too will re-integrate with India soon.

“Standing in Kashmir, I want to convey to our neighbouring country that POK, an integral part of India, will witness ‘ghar wapsi’ and rejoin India. People of POK want to have a referendum there after witnessing the current development pace in Kashmir,” said Mr. Ilyasi in Srinagar. 

Mr. Ilyasi, accompanied by BJP leader and Waqf Board chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi, said Kashmir was witnessing a positive change after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.  

“Kashmir has become a new place after abrogation of Article 370. There is no stone pelting. There is prosperity and tourism has also increased. Today, youths have pens in their hands. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to see laptop in one hand and Quran in another,” he said.

He also praised the renovation work of the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar under the guidance of Ms. Andrabi. “The shrine is a marvel. People should come to see it,” he added. He added Kashmir has no atmosphere of fear now.

On the war in West Asia, he hoped Prime Minister Narendra Modi “will mediate to end the war soon”.