Large-scale protests have erupted in Gilgit-Baltistan after an FIR was filed against a prominent Shia cleric. The protesters are also threatening authorities about a civil war & merging with India if their demands are not met. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas : 'We want to join India': PoK residents clamour after FIR against Shia cleric

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan for its decision to hold general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and said such cosmetic exercises are intended to "camouflage" Islamabad's "illegal" occupation of Indian territories.

Last week, Pakistan announced that general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan will be held on August 18.

"We completely reject attempts by Pakistan to bring material changes to the Indian territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Such cosmetic exercises are intended to camouflage Pakistan's illegal occupation of Indian territories," Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Srivastava said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/speaker-of-pakistans-punjab-assembly-speaks-against-building-hindu-temple-calls-it-against-spirit-of-islam-310303">Also read:&nbsp;Speaker of Pakistan's Punjab assembly speaks against building Hindu temple, calls it against spirit of Islam</a>

"We call upon Pakistan to vacate all Indian territories that are under their illegal occupation," he said. Srivastava was replying to a question on the issue at an online media briefing.

In a recent ruling, the Pakistan Supreme Court allowed Islamabad to amend a 2018 administrative order to conduct general elections in the region. The Gilgit-Baltistan Order of 2018 provided for administrative changes, including authorising the prime minister of Pakistan to legislate on an array of subjects.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-extends-support-to-nepal-as-pakistan-struggles-with-its-own-problems-310301">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan PM Imran Khan extends support to Nepal as Pakistan struggles with its own problems</a>

In May, India had issued a demarche to a senior Pakistani diplomat here and lodged a strong protest over the apex court ruling.

India also clearly conveyed to Pakistan that the entire union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas of Gilgit and Baltistan, are an integral part of the country.

Srivastava also rejected Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's allegations that there was an India link to the terror attack on the Pakistan stock exchange in Karachi on Monday.

Hours after gunmen attacked the Pakistani stock exchange in Karachi, Qureshi alleged that the clues of strike are leading towards sleeper cells activated by India.

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan for its decision to hold general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and said such cosmetic exercises are intended to "camouflage" Islamabad's "illegal" occupation of Indian territories.

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan for its decision to hold general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and said such cosmetic exercises are intended to "camouflage" Islamabad's "illegal" occupation of Indian territories. Last week, Pakistan announced that general elections in Gilgit-Baltistan will be held on August 18. "We completely reject attempts by Pakistan to bring material changes to the Indian territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Such cosmetic exercises are intended to camouflage Pakistan's illegal occupation of Indian territories," Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Srivastava said. Also read: Speaker of Pakistan's Punjab assembly speaks against building Hindu temple, calls it against spirit of Islam "We call upon Pakistan to vacate all Indian territories that are under their illegal occupation," he said. Srivastava was replying to a question on the issue at an online media briefing. In a recent ruling, the Pakistan Supreme Court allowed Islamabad to amend a 2018 administrative order to conduct general elections in the region. The Gilgit-Baltistan Order of 2018 provided for administrative changes, including authorising the prime minister of Pakistan to legislate on an array of subjects. Also read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan extends support to Nepal as Pakistan struggles with its own problems In May, India had issued a demarche to a senior Pakistani diplomat here and lodged a strong protest over the apex court ruling. India also clearly conveyed to Pakistan that the entire union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas of Gilgit and Baltistan, are an integral part of the country. Srivastava also rejected Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's allegations that there was an India link to the terror attack on the Pakistan stock exchange in Karachi on Monday. Hours after gunmen attacked the Pakistani stock exchange in Karachi, Qureshi alleged that the clues of strike are leading towards sleeper cells activated by India.

India slams Pak's announcement of holding polls in Gilgit-Baltistan; terms it cosmetic exercise

The traders in Gilgit-Baltistan are immensely troubled with Chinese policies that debar them from doing business on equal grounds.

Ever since the border trade agreement was signed between China and Pakistan in 1985, the markets of Gilgit-Baltistan are flooded with Chinese products.

Many traders complain that they are repatriated from the China border under the suspicion that their products could contain vulnerable goods.

Mubshir Hassan, a trader from Gilgit-Baltistan said, "Whenever we take our item for China, they do not let us pass (the China border check post), they contrive issues, like alleging the presence of some medical (chemical weapon or disease) or bring up some other issues with our products and send us back. Whichever items come from there, every kid of Pakistan and Gilgit Baltistan knows about it them."

He added, "When Chinese come here, the Pakistan government facilitates them, they can take houses on rent or buy them but we have not treated alike in China."

The Government of Pakistan offers best facilities to Chinese traders who come to Gilgit-Baltistan for one-sided business.

But for traders from Gilgit-Baltistan, it is no less than a nightmare. Budging under huge loans taken from banks in Pakistan, the traders are dismayed with China's embargo on their products.

Hidayat Ali, another businessman from Gilgit-Baltistan said, "According to border trade agreement (China- Pakistan) signed in 1985, some items should be sent there and some items should be imported here. But what is actually happening is, they have imposed a ban on our products. Our exports are banned. The traders of Gilgit-Baltistan are running pillar to post (to export their products) and we have taken loans from various banks, we are not able to pay it back."

The highways, built under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, serve just the interest of China, plying a chain of trucks to Gilgit-Baltistan.

Touted as a 'game changer', the multi-billion dollar CPEC project has given a boost to the Chinese market, leaving traders in Gilgit-Baltistan on edge.

"I have already told traders that Awami Action Committee will support them and when we will take on streets we will have only one option that we will give a clear message to Government of China and Government of Pakistan that trade, friendship and business should take place at an equal level. The (number) of products imported here should be the same exported from here", said Sultan Raes, President of Awami Action Committee

Awami Action Committee and traders of Gilgit-Baltistan have issued an ultimatum to Pakistan and China governments, demanding an early resolution to the monopolistic trade between the two countries.

Many traders complain that they are repatriated from the China border under the suspicion that their products could contain vulnerable goods.

The traders in Gilgit-Baltistan are immensely troubled with Chinese policies that debar them from doing business on equal grounds. Ever since the border trade agreement was signed between China and Pakistan in 1985, the markets of Gilgit-Baltistan are flooded with Chinese products. Many traders complain that they are repatriated from the China border under the suspicion that their products could contain vulnerable goods. Mubshir Hassan, a trader from Gilgit-Baltistan said, "Whenever we take our item for China, they do not let us pass (the China border check post), they contrive issues, like alleging the presence of some medical (chemical weapon or disease) or bring up some other issues with our products and send us back. Whichever items come from there, every kid of Pakistan and Gilgit Baltistan knows about it them." He added, "When Chinese come here, the Pakistan government facilitates them, they can take houses on rent or buy them but we have not treated alike in China." The Government of Pakistan offers best facilities to Chinese traders who come to Gilgit-Baltistan for one-sided business. But for traders from Gilgit-Baltistan, it is no less than a nightmare. Budging under huge loans taken from banks in Pakistan, the traders are dismayed with China's embargo on their products. Hidayat Ali, another businessman from Gilgit-Baltistan said, "According to border trade agreement (China- Pakistan) signed in 1985, some items should be sent there and some items should be imported here. But what is actually happening is, they have imposed a ban on our products. Our exports are banned. The traders of Gilgit-Baltistan are running pillar to post (to export their products) and we have taken loans from various banks, we are not able to pay it back." The highways, built under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, serve just the interest of China, plying a chain of trucks to Gilgit-Baltistan. Touted as a 'game changer', the multi-billion dollar CPEC project has given a boost to the Chinese market, leaving traders in Gilgit-Baltistan on edge. "I have already told traders that Awami Action Committee will support them and when we will take on streets we will have only one option that we will give a clear message to Government of China and Government of Pakistan that trade, friendship and business should take place at an equal level. The (number) of products imported here should be the same exported from here", said Sultan Raes, President of Awami Action Committee Awami Action Committee and traders of Gilgit-Baltistan have issued an ultimatum to Pakistan and China governments, demanding an early resolution to the monopolistic trade between the two countries.

Traders in Gilgit bear brunt of trade policy with China

Displaced people from restive Pakistan-cccupied&nbsp;Kashmir (PoK) met Home Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence on Sunday.

Their meeting was initiated for liberating the Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan.&nbsp;

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Displaced people from Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir met Home Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence in Delhi, urged for liberation of POJK from Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/MyDA3OuKxN">pic.twitter.com/MyDA3OuKxN</a>
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The people of PoK have time and again held protests against the Pakistan government.&nbsp;

On October 22, people from the PoK held anti-Pakistan protests across the region to mark 70 years of Pakistan occupation of the region which they called &quot;Black Day&quot;.

The people&nbsp;frequently protest against the enforced taxation and&nbsp;exploitation&nbsp;by the&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;government.&nbsp;

The locals had also held protests&nbsp;against the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) citing that the inhabitants along&nbsp;the route have not been consulted in the construction of the corridor. Neither have they received any compensation for the exploitation of their land.&nbsp;

Recently,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/members-of-baloch-and-sindhi-community-protest-against-pakistan-in-london-26418" target="_blank">similar protests were staged in London by members of Baloch and Sindhi community</a>.

Pakistan has been witnessing<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_top">&nbsp;several protests from&nbsp;minorities</a>&nbsp;who revolt against the suppression of the Pakistan government.&nbsp;

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The people of PoK have time and again held protests against the Pakistan government

Displaced people from restive Pakistan-cccupied Kashmir (PoK) met Home Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence on Sunday. Their meeting was initiated for liberating the Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan. Displaced people from Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir met Home Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence in Delhi, urged for liberation of POJK from Pakistan pic.twitter.com/MyDA3OuKxN — ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2017 × The people of PoK have time and again held protests against the Pakistan government. On October 22, people from the PoK held anti-Pakistan protests across the region to mark 70 years of Pakistan occupation of the region which they called "Black Day". The people frequently protest against the enforced taxation and exploitation by the Pakistan government. The locals had also held protests against the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) citing that the inhabitants along the route have not been consulted in the construction of the corridor. Neither have they received any compensation for the exploitation of their land. Recently, similar protests were staged in London by members of Baloch and Sindhi community. Pakistan has been witnessing several protests from minorities who revolt against the suppression of the Pakistan government.

Displaced people from PoK meet Rajnath Singh, request for PoK liberation

&quot;At the stroke of the midnight hour when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom&hellip;. when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance&rdquo;.

The famous Tryst and Destiny speech was addressed by Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru on the eve of Indian Independence when the country was stepping from the old to new.

The two hundred years of colonial power had left India poverty-stricken and disintegrated, and the partition inflicted severe pains of communal violence.

It was not easy to lay the foundation of a country, which had suffered two hundred years of exploitation. The struggle for Independence had already played a major role in unifying the country, but half of the battle was still to be won in laying the foundation for &ldquo;India&rdquo;.

The collective efforts of the first Prime Minister Nehru and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel succeeded in integrating the 567 princely states into the dominion of India. The Congress managed to add Junagarh, Kerala, Hyderabad, Kashmir and many other princely states to India.

It implemented many other policies to reform the social, economic and educational sector of the country. However, amidst the many progressive steps that were undertaken for the improvement of the country, the Congress led by Nehru was also held responsible for the existing ire on Kashmir as well as the enmity between India and Pakistan.

Jammu and Kashmir had voluntarily joined India after Indian army protected the state from the atrocities, loot, murder and rapes committed by Pakistani Kabalis. The then ruling Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh had sought help from India after the tribal invasion by Pakistan.

In return, he signed the Instrument of Accession and acceded to be a part of the dominion of India.

&nbsp;However, the issue of Kashmir still remains a bone of contention between India and Pakistan. Pakistan keeps on asking for UN involvement in resolving the matter between the two countries.

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah was also involved in a similar rhetoric recently. While asking for more autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, the former chief minister of the state emphasised on PoK being part of Pakistan. While readily accepting PoK as part of Pakistan, he said that India cannot claim its authority over it. He reminded that India should stick to the Instrument of Accession signed with Maharaja Hari Singh.

Evidently, off late, Farooq Abdullah has been speaking in the language of Pakistan.

He said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and &quot;this won&#39;t change&quot; no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other.

&quot;You do not remember the Instrument of Accession and claim the other side of Kashmir is administered by Pakistan. If that side is ours, then you should talk about the accession as well. Why do you forget the conditions on which we have acceded?&quot; he said.

Separatists and leaders like him who willfully accept the occupation of Pakistan over PoK choose to avoid the constant revolt by the people against the human right violations.

PoK recently held anti-Pakistan protests across the region to mark 70 years of Pakistan occupation of the region. To mark the unfortunate seventy years of the &ldquo;Black Day&rdquo; invasion, Gilgit and Baltistan held protest across the region on October 22, 2017.

The protestors chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Pakistan Army from the occupied territory.

Another PoK leader Tauqeer Gilani hit out at the Pakistan occupation on Kashmir. While addressing a conference in Muzaffarabad, he questioned Pakistan&#39;s claim over Kashmir. Calling it propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges, he asked where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan&#39;s?&nbsp;

He said, &quot;Where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan&#39;s? No agreement says so. This is nonsense and is propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges. Even on our bathroom doors, they have written &#39;Kashmir banega Pakistan.&quot;

Recently, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have strengthened their voice against Pakistan&#39;s immoral imposition of taxes on them. The lawyers claim that the imposition of any tax in the region is illegal as people of the region do not have any representation in national assembly and senate.

Legal experts say that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan should not be taxed until they are granted constitutional rights. They also underlined that there are no taxes in Jammu and Kashmir despite it being part of the Constitution, also that the state provides them subsidies.

Pakistan and its organisations and leaders who constantly attack India over the issue of Jammu and Kashmir should not forget that the peaceful state was first attacked by Pakistan Kabalis. It was Pakistan which had created havoc in one of the most peaceful areas of South Asia.

The ones who talk about India conducting plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir must not forget that according to the UN resolution, Pakistan is first supposed to vacate the place.

&nbsp;Responding to P. Chidambaram&rsquo;s advice for granting greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Arun Jaitley had said its position regard to aazadi or greater autonomy for Kashmir was against the national interest.

P Chidambaram recently said when people of Jammu and Kashmir ask for aazadi, most of them mean they want greater autonomy.

On this Jaitley blamed Congress&rsquo;s flawed policy since 1947 for the Kashmir problem.

He asked what kind of &ldquo;aazadi or autonomy&rdquo; is Chidambaram asking which the state government or India&rsquo;s Constitution does not already provide.

Union Finance minister Arun Jaitley also said that the state assembly and the state government have all the necessary powers under the Constitution, and the only issues not covered by the state are defence, communication, foreign affairs and currency.

Recently, a Delhi-based NGO&nbsp; filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging Article 35A. Article 35(A) and Article 370 gives special rights to the permanent residents of Jammu &amp; Kashmir. It restricts people from the rest of the country to buy or own immovable property in Jammu and Kashmir, settle permanently, or avail themselves of state-sponsored scholarship schemes. The petition said that the article discriminates against the fellow citizens from the rest of the country.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

&nbsp;

PoK recently held anti-Pakistan protests across the region to mark 70 years of Pakistan occupation of the region.

"At the stroke of the midnight hour when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom…. when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance”. The famous Tryst and Destiny speech was addressed by Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru on the eve of Indian Independence when the country was stepping from the old to new. The two hundred years of colonial power had left India poverty-stricken and disintegrated, and the partition inflicted severe pains of communal violence. It was not easy to lay the foundation of a country, which had suffered two hundred years of exploitation. The struggle for Independence had already played a major role in unifying the country, but half of the battle was still to be won in laying the foundation for “India”. The collective efforts of the first Prime Minister Nehru and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel succeeded in integrating the 567 princely states into the dominion of India. The Congress managed to add Junagarh, Kerala, Hyderabad, Kashmir and many other princely states to India. It implemented many other policies to reform the social, economic and educational sector of the country. However, amidst the many progressive steps that were undertaken for the improvement of the country, the Congress led by Nehru was also held responsible for the existing ire on Kashmir as well as the enmity between India and Pakistan. Jammu and Kashmir had voluntarily joined India after Indian army protected the state from the atrocities, loot, murder and rapes committed by Pakistani Kabalis. The then ruling Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh had sought help from India after the tribal invasion by Pakistan. In return, he signed the Instrument of Accession and acceded to be a part of the dominion of India. However, the issue of Kashmir still remains a bone of contention between India and Pakistan. Pakistan keeps on asking for UN involvement in resolving the matter between the two countries. National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah was also involved in a similar rhetoric recently. While asking for more autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, the former chief minister of the state emphasised on PoK being part of Pakistan. While readily accepting PoK as part of Pakistan, he said that India cannot claim its authority over it. He reminded that India should stick to the Instrument of Accession signed with Maharaja Hari Singh. Evidently, off late, Farooq Abdullah has been speaking in the language of Pakistan. He said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and "this won't change" no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other. "You do not remember the Instrument of Accession and claim the other side of Kashmir is administered by Pakistan. If that side is ours, then you should talk about the accession as well. Why do you forget the conditions on which we have acceded?" he said. Separatists and leaders like him who willfully accept the occupation of Pakistan over PoK choose to avoid the constant revolt by the people against the human right violations. PoK recently held anti-Pakistan protests across the region to mark 70 years of Pakistan occupation of the region. To mark the unfortunate seventy years of the “Black Day” invasion, Gilgit and Baltistan held protest across the region on October 22, 2017. The protestors chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Pakistan Army from the occupied territory. Another PoK leader Tauqeer Gilani hit out at the Pakistan occupation on Kashmir. While addressing a conference in Muzaffarabad, he questioned Pakistan's claim over Kashmir. Calling it propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges, he asked where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan's? He said, "Where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan's? No agreement says so. This is nonsense and is propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges. Even on our bathroom doors, they have written 'Kashmir banega Pakistan." Recently, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have strengthened their voice against Pakistan's immoral imposition of taxes on them. The lawyers claim that the imposition of any tax in the region is illegal as people of the region do not have any representation in national assembly and senate. Legal experts say that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan should not be taxed until they are granted constitutional rights. They also underlined that there are no taxes in Jammu and Kashmir despite it being part of the Constitution, also that the state provides them subsidies. Pakistan and its organisations and leaders who constantly attack India over the issue of Jammu and Kashmir should not forget that the peaceful state was first attacked by Pakistan Kabalis. It was Pakistan which had created havoc in one of the most peaceful areas of South Asia. The ones who talk about India conducting plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir must not forget that according to the UN resolution, Pakistan is first supposed to vacate the place. Responding to P. Chidambaram’s advice for granting greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Arun Jaitley had said its position regard to aazadi or greater autonomy for Kashmir was against the national interest. P Chidambaram recently said when people of Jammu and Kashmir ask for aazadi, most of them mean they want greater autonomy. On this Jaitley blamed Congress’s flawed policy since 1947 for the Kashmir problem. He asked what kind of “aazadi or autonomy” is Chidambaram asking which the state government or India’s Constitution does not already provide. Union Finance minister Arun Jaitley also said that the state assembly and the state government have all the necessary powers under the Constitution, and the only issues not covered by the state are defence, communication, foreign affairs and currency. Recently, a Delhi-based NGO filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging Article 35A. Article 35(A) and Article 370 gives special rights to the permanent residents of Jammu & Kashmir. It restricts people from the rest of the country to buy or own immovable property in Jammu and Kashmir, settle permanently, or avail themselves of state-sponsored scholarship schemes. The petition said that the article discriminates against the fellow citizens from the rest of the country. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir's aazadi and not that of PoK

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