The Saurashtra region’s Junagadh is well-known for its history, diversity, culture and hospitable locals. Here, in 319 BC, the Mauryan king Chandragupta Maurya built the renowned Junagadh Fort.
Muhammad Mahabat Khanji III, the last Babi dynasty king of the state, made the decision to incorporate Junagadh into the newly created Pakistan after India’s partition. On September 15, 1947, Junagadh became the first princely state to become a part of Pakistan.
While the Nawab of Junagadh was in Karachi, the Provisional Government and the volunteer forces in the nearby area of Kathiawar enacted a siege to compel him to alter his decision. On November 9, 1947, the Indian Army advanced its forces and took control of Junagadh.
Read more: Junagadh should be merged with Pakistan: Nawab of Junagadh
The Kashmir crisis overtook the topic of Junagadh at the United Nations Security Council, where Junagadh’s case is still unresolved. Pakistan’s official maps portray Junagadh, Manavadar and Sir Creek as parts of Pakistani territory.
Back in 2020, the Nawab of Junagarh, Muhammad Jahangir Khanji, asked the then Prime Minister Imran Khan to represent Junagadh abroad, as he did for Kashmir, to raise awareness of the need for the state’s independence from Indian domination. Moreover, the Nawab of Junagadh has frequently stated his desire to join Pakistan.
Read more: Indian illegally occupied Junagarh is lawful part of Pakistan: IIOJK report
Due to the fact that the issue of Junagadh is frequently overlooked in favor of other concerns, Pakistanis have banded together on social media to raise awareness of the problem of Indian-occupied Junagadh and to express support for its citizens. Currently, #JunagadhIsPakistan is a top twitter trend.
The state of Junagadh is not a disputed territory but a part of Pakistan according to the Junagadh document of annexation which is under illegal Indian occupation.#PakistanMap2020#JunagadhIsPakistan
— Dr Khadim Husain (@DrKhadimHusain1) August 4, 2022
Another user posted a video wherein we can see some people of Junagadh showing solidarity with Pakistan.
Political map of Junagadh, which is shaped by the hundreds of people #PakistanMap2020#JunagadhIsPakistan @MUSLIMInstitut pic.twitter.com/bUxvXoV2t3
— TayyaB BaiG (@tayyab422) August 4, 2022
The people of Pakistan have expressed that even though August 5 is an important day for Kashmiris, the issue of Indian Occupied Junagadh is no less important.