Srinagar, August 19: 27 residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) could not return back to their homes after the PoK authorities refused entry permission to the people. The PoK residents had come to India to the Poonch district and were trying to return back when their vehicle was denied entry, reported news agency ANI. MoS Jitendra Singh Says Time to 'Free Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)', Hopes to See it Happening in 'This Lifetime'.

The 27 residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were scheduled to return today, on Monday evening. Their return was scheduled through cross-LoC bus services. The residents had to stay back in Poonch with no clarity on their return. The PoK authorities refused to open gates, reported ANI. Jammu and Kashmir: Home Minister Amit Shah Chairs Meeting With NSA Ajit Doval and Intelligence Officers to Review Security Situation.

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District Development Commissioner Poonch, Rahul Yadav was quoted saying by news agency ANI that, "27 PoK residents were scheduled to travel back today as their permit period had come to an end. But PoK authority didn't give any response and gates were not opened, so buses couldn't cross. PoK residents could not cross through."

On Sunday, Minister of State (MoS) in the Prime Minister's Office, Jitendra Singh in a statement called for unity in the Parliament of India to "free Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)" so that it can be "merged with India." Jitendra Singh also said that, "Let us pray to the almighty that we get the chance to see this in our lifetime." He echoed sentiments of his cabinet colleague Rajnath Singh on merging Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) with India.

Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting at the Home Ministry office today, on Monday. The meeting was attended by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and other senior intelligence officials, reported ANI. Reports indicate that the prevailing security situation in Jammu and Kashmir was discussed at the meeting along with the issue of Pakistan after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 19, 2019 09:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).