Move to merge region near POK draws flak
India on Friday reacted strongly to an attempt by Pakistan to declare the strategic Gilgit-baltistan region, bordering disputed Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK), as its fifth province, saying such move is “entirely unacceptable.”
There are reports that a committee headed by Pakistan’s foreign affairs advisor Sartaj Aziz has proposed status of a province to Gilgit-baltistan.
Responding to the reports, external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said any such step would not be able to hide the illegality of Pakistan’s occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir, which it must vacate, forthwith.
“The entire state of J&K is an integral part, has been an integral part and will be an integral part of India. No attempt or unilateral attempt or step to change that would have any legal basis, whatsoever, and it will be entirely unacceptable,” the spokesperson said.
The move will not be able to “hide the tremendous, very concerning human rights violations and denial of freedom” that has been going on in parts of J&K controlled by Pakistan , he said.
Gilgit-baltistan is treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan. It has a regional assem bly and an elected chief minister
At present, Pakistan has four provinces — Punjab, Sindh, Khy ber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochis tan. It is believed that China’s concerns about the unsettled sta tus of the strategic region prompted Pakistan to explore change in its status.
Asked about Pakistan having expressed concern over acquittal of Swami Assemanand in Ajmer Sharif blast case, Baglay said India completely rejects Paki stan’s “efforts to meddle” in the country’s internal affairs.
“We also totally reject the ulte rior link which is sought to be established by Pakistan with any other matter under the purview of the Indian courts. A strong Indian democracy and justice system obviously need no self serving sermons from anybody much less from a country like Pakistan,” he asserted.
Baglay also reiterated India’s demand that Pakistan should dis mantle terrorist infrastructure in its own territory or territory controlled by it and bring to jus tice the terror masterminds who still operate and continue to enjoy freedom on its soil.