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Altering Gilgit-Baltistan status unacceptable: India

The Union government on Wednesday asserted that Gilgit-Baltistan, which Pakistan wants to make a new province, are India's territory with…

Altering Gilgit-Baltistan status unacceptable: India

Gilgit-Baltistan (PHOTO: IANS)

The Union government on Wednesday asserted that Gilgit-Baltistan, which Pakistan wants to make a new province, are India's territory with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj telling the Lok Sabha that it would be wrong to think that India will let go of any part of its territory.

She was responding to Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Bhartruhari Mahtab remark, wondering if the government has even properly responded to Pakistan's move to make Gilgit-Baltistan its fifth province.

Noting that some Western countries had criticised it, he asked, "What is our government's response?" and urged the government not to forget history or it will be condemned to repeat it.

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In her response, Swaraj said the Indian government had opposed Pakistan's move the very day it got to know about it.

"Even raising a doubt over this government that it will let go of some area will be wrong," the minister added.

She noted that both Houses of Parliament had passed resolutions which had reiterated India's claim over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, both under Pakistan's occupation, and the government was bound by it.

She also quoted a BJP slogan which underlines India's claim over the territory and noted that its founder Shyama Prasad Mookerjee had "sacrificed" his life over this. "We are bound by Parliament's resolutions and also our resolve," she said.

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