Modi’s statement added to our problems

Modi’s statement added to our problems

London       10 September 2016

Reports emanating from Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistani occupied Kashmir confirm our fears that Prime Minister of India Mr Modi’s statement regarding Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistani Occupied Kashmir have only added to our problems.

Although Mr Modi’s statement has brought these areas occupied by Pakistan at par with areas occupied by India, as the entire former Princely State is disputed; but it has provided another excuse to the Pakistani secret agencies to hunt and punish local political activists.

India claims these areas to be part of India on the strength of Provisional accession executed on 26 October 1947 by the Ruler of Jammu and Kashmir State. India can only issue statements, but practically cannot help these people; and apparently there is no will to help either because of the likely repercussions.

In view of the prevailing situation, one wonders what was the logic of issuing such a statement when the official policy in New Delhi has always been to leave these people at the mercy of Islamabad who have ruled them with an iron fist; and anyone who is perceived as ‘anti Pakistan’ or who complains about wrong doings of Pakistan is treated as a traitor.

The local people have told me that Pakistani security men have attacked offices of Balawaristan National Front (BNF) in Gilgit Baltistan, which is one of the political groups seeking independence from Pakistan. They arrested five local people and accused them of receiving funds from abroad and working for India.

Policy of Pakistan is anyone who seeks independence from Pakistan and opposes Pakistani wrong doings is an ‘Indian agent’; and anyone who receives money and weapons from Pakistan and uses them against India is a leader and a Kashmiri patriot.

Dr Shabir Choudhry said, it looks CPEC has become a holy cow, and anyone who oppose it or demands some rights is perceived as a traitor and arrested under sedition laws. It is sad that under proposed plan of CPEC, there is nothing for the people of Gilgit Baltistan, apart from pollution and environmental problems.

Issued by Dr Shabir Choudhry      - Tel: 0044 (0) 7790942471

Email: Drshabirchoudhry@gmail.com