BJP passes resolution on Gilgit-Baltistan

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At a press conference held at party headquarters on April 22, BJP senior leader and prabhari for J&K, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, alongwith state chief spokesperson and national executive member Dr. Jitendra Singh, released the party official resolution on Gilgit-Baltistan adopted on first day of its 2-day State Working Committee meeting. The draft of the resolution was written and presented by Dr. Jitendra Singh, while it was seconded by senior leader Chander Mohan Sharma before it was unanimously passed by the members of the Working Committee.

Talking to reporters, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi explained the reason for party concern for recent developments in Gilgit-Baltistan and said that by officially taking up the resolution in State Working Committee Meeting, the party has reiterated its support to the suffering masses in these areas and operation unleashed by Pakistan authorities.

Dr. Jitendra Singh briefed the media about the salient features of BJP Resolution on Gilgit-Baltistan, said that the Jammu and Kashmir, which Maharaja Hari Singh acceded to the Union of India in 1947 consists of (A)-J&K, which is a part of India and (b)Pakistan Occupied part of J&K and also Northern areas of Gilgit-Baltistan comprising an area of 78,114 sq. kms. Incidentally, the Pakistan Constitution itself admits that Gilgit-Baltistan are not a part of Pakistan but a part of Jammu and Kashmir.

Dr Jitermdra Singh referred to the disturbing reports about Pakistan planning to lease out these areas to China for 50 years, which besides serving strategic interests of two countries, will also serve business interests of China in gaining road connectivity to Afghanistan for gas resources. It is unfortunate that a senior minister of J&K stated on the floor of state assembly last month that Gilgit was only a concern of central government, he said.

Citing the operative part of the resolution, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that Union External Affairs Ministry must immediately take up with Government of Pakistan the reported proposal of unauthorised lease of these areas by Pakistan to China.

The J&K BJP resolves that it shall not tolerate any compromise with territorial integrity of Jammu and Kashmir and that UPA government is bound by 1994 unanimous Resolution of Indian Parliament to get back areas of J&K, including PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan, which continue to be under illegal occupation of Pakistan.

It is further pledged that BJP will continue its crusade till it succeeds in securing justice for Gilgit-Baltistan and liberation of these areas from unauthorised occupation of Pakistan.