Entire state of J&K including Gilgit Baltistan will always remain an ‘integral part of India’ says India strongly protesting Pakistan SC orders

New Delhi, January 19: The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan', "has been, is and shall remain an integral part of India", was conveyed to the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan by India. The statement was asserted as a strong protest on the recent order by Pakistan Supreme Court which states extending its jurisdiction over Gilgit-Baltistan. 

Making India’s stance very clear and lodging a strong protest on the recent order by Pakistan Supreme Court India on Friday summoned the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan and lodged a strong protest. The Pakistani official was conveyed that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan', "has been, is and shall remain an integral part of India", the Ministry of External Affairs said.

In an order, the Pakistan Supreme Court has said that its jurisdiction and power extend to Gilgit-Baltistan. In the order, the Pakistan Supreme Court has also asked the federal government in Pakistan to promulgate a new law within a fortnight to grant more rights, including fundamental human rights, to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

 

MEA affirmed, "The Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan was summoned today and a strong protest was lodged on recent order by Supreme Court of Pakistan on the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' which is interference in India’s internal affairs.”

It also said Pakistan was asked to immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation. In a statement by MEA, it stated that "Pakistan Government or judiciary have no locus standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied by it. Any action to alter the status of these occupied territories by Pakistan has no legal basis whatsoever.”

It said India rejected such continued attempts by Pakistan to bring material change in these "occupied territories and to camouflage grave human rights violations, exploitation and sufferings of the people living there".

 

Shutting Pakistan on its move to declare Gilgit Baltistan as its fifth province, Raveesh Kumar said that India has stated its position on Gilgit Baltistan has been very clear and consistent. Adding further he said that the entire Jammu and Kashmir has been and will always remain as part of India.

Gilgit Baltistan is a part of Jammu and Kashmir annexed by Pakistan in 1947 but the status of the area though disputed has been kept ambiguous by Pakistan. Off lately, the people there have witnessed regular protests by activists over alleged human rights violations by the Pakistani authorities in the region.