POK leaders justify India's objection to Chinese projects
New Delhi:
Nationalist leaders of Gilgit Baltistan have asked India to stop lip service
and take stronger action to halt Chinese projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Chief of Gilgit Baltistan National Movement Manzoor Parwana Told ANI over phone:
"If India is really serious then it should react more strongly and it should not
just resort to lip service or statements." Parwana further said "India should
try and halt the Chinese projects in our region. Earlier, the Ministry of External
Affairs spokesman said in a statement that China should cease all its activities
in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The MEA spokesperson was reacting to Xinuha report
which quoted Chinese President as stating that China will continue to engage in
projects with Pakistan inside Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. The MEA in a strongly
worded statement further said: "India believes that Pakistan has been in illegal
occupation of parts of the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir since 1947. The Chinese
side is fully aware of India's position and our concerns about Chinese activities
in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir". The MEA's response is seen as a quid pro quo as
it came a day after China expressed disappointment over Indian Prime Minister
visit to Arunachal Pradesh ahead of Tuesday's elections. Taking objection to Chinese
projects in Gilgit Baltistan, the chief of the Gilgit Baltistan National Alliance
Wajahat Hassan Khan told ANI over phone: "China has already occupied a part of
Gilgit Baltistan , a little part of Hunza is under its control and Aksai Chin
is also occupied." Since Gilgit Baltistan is a disputed area, China has no business
to build projects here, Khan added. The nationalist leaders further told ANI that
there is a perception in the region that India is party to the dispute and it
has every right to object to China building projects there. India is objecting
to various Chinese funded projects in PoK namely Neelum Jhelum project, Diamer
Bhasha Dam , Extension of Karakoram Highway, Sost Dry Port and Bunji Dam to name
a few.
