BackIndia rejects Pakistan’s plans of election in Gilgit-Baltistan region
MEA calls the Gilgit-Baltistan election plan an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its forcible and illegal occupation of the regions
Premium
New Delhi: India on Tuesday rejected Pakistan’s plans to hold elections in disputed Kashmir’s Gilgit-Baltistan region next week, claiming the region was an integral part of India.
“The election in Gilgit and Baltistan on 8 June under the so-called ‘Gilgit Baltistan Empowerment and Self Government Order’ is an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its forcible and illegal occupation of the regions. We are concerned at the continued efforts by Pakistan to deny the people of the region their political rights, and the efforts being made to absorb these territories," foreign ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said in a statement.
“India’s position is well-known. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which includes the regions of Gilgit and Baltistan, is an integral part of India," Swarup said.
“The fact that a Federal Minister of Pakistan is also the “Governor of Gilgit Baltistan" speaks for itself," he said.
It was unfortunate that recently people of the region became victims of “sectarian conflict, terrorism and extreme economic hardship due to Pakistan’s occupationary policies", he added.
Both India and Pakistan claim the Himalayan region of Kashmir in its entirety but administer it in parts. The region has been the trigger for three of the four wars between the two South Asian neighbours since their independence from British rule in 1947.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
