 "Haji Pir Pass, Chhad Bet, Neelum Valley: Indian territory lost to Pakistan that PM Modi mentioned in LS speech")
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday during the debate on Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi renewed focus on some of the significant territorial challenges India continues to face along its border with Pakistan. He singled out key areas — Haji Pir Pass, Chhad Bet, and the Neelum Valley — reminding the nation that these lands represent more than just geography; they are central to India’s security and pride.
“I had earlier spoken about the 38,000 square kilometres of our territory lost through past conflicts and agreements,” PM Modi said.
“Among those, strategic areas like Haji Pir Pass, Chhad Bet, and the Neelum Valley stand out. These are not just pieces of land but vital to our national security and pride. The sacrifices of our armed forces in those regions continue to inspire us. We remain firm in our resolve to protect our sovereignty and work towards reclaiming what is rightfully ours.”
The story behind the lost territories
Haji Pir Pass, perched at around 2,637 meters high in the Pir Panjal mountain range, was historically a vital trade and military route connecting Poonch in Indian Jammu & Kashmir to Rawalakot, now part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Before partition in 1947, it served as a critical corridor for transport and logistics in the region.
Pakistan occupied the area when it invaded Jammu and Kashmir in 1947, leading to the 194748 India-Pakistan war. India regained the pass in the 1965 war through “Operation Bakshi,” disrupting militant infiltration routes. However, as part of the Tashkent Agreement in 1966, the Indian government of the time returned the pass to Pakistan.
Many view this as a strategic misstep, as the pass remains a key route exploited frequently for militant crossings into Indian territory. Experts believe retaining control would have allowed India a shorter and more secure link between Poonch and Uri, significantly improving military logistics and operational flexibility in this sensitive region.
Chhad Bet, refers to one of the “bets” — patches of higher ground that rise above the salt marshes in the Rann of Kutch. Pakistan eyed capturing this patch, and surreptitiously occupied it in the mid-1950s. On one occasion, the Indian patrol team was fired upon by the intruding Pakistani troops. But when Indian forces went for retaliatory action, they found that Pakistan had retreated before the fight.
Chhad Bet came up in contention again in the 1960s, leading to the formation of an international tribunal for resolution. India’s agreement to agree to the tribunal-mediated resolution is considered a tactical mistake. The tribunal awarded Chhad Bet to Pakistan. The Pakistani control over Chhad Bet affects local surveillance and security in this arid border region. PM Modi made reference to this in his intervention on Operation Sindoor debate in Parliament.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
- Neelum Valley runs parallel to Kashmir Valley but falls predominantly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Known for its natural beauty, this area has been a hotspot for military activity due to its proximity to the LoC. Seized during the early days of the invasion of Jammu and Kashmir, it poses challenges for security and border management.
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