Exiled political activists from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) gathered outside the European Parliament in Brussels to protest against Pakistan-sponsored atrocities and plundering of resources in the region.

The activists raised slogans against Islamabad blaming it for the construction of the Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Power Project and Diamer Bhasha Dam that has not only severely affected the flora and fauna of the region, but have left the common people reeling under abject poverty.

"We are here in Brussels in front of the European Parliament demonstrating against the plundering of the natural resources of Kashmiri people (in Pakistan). We are here to protest against the state brutality and for the people who are suffering because of the policies of the Pakistani government. We are actually protesting against their policies, their nefarious designs," said Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP).

Another UKPNP activist, named Jamil Maqsood, said, "The fundamental purpose of this demonstration was to highlight the human rights violations in the Pakistan administered Kashmir and occupied Gilgit-Baltistan because Pakistan is constructing Neelum Jhelum hydropower project and Diamer Bhasha dam in Gilgit Baltistan and in both these areas, people have been asked to leave their properties and leave their land without paying them any alternative land and without paying them any compensation".

He added, "In Muzaffarabad, they (Pakistani government) have diverted Neelum river which is at the brink of extinction. It is completely destroyed and approximately hundreds of thousands of people in Neelum, Muzaffarabad and other lower riparian areas are deprived of the basic necessity of water."

Activists from Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Mohajirs also joined the protest to raise the issue of human rights violations as Islamabad has employed similar repressive patterns in their provinces.

Pakistan has been according to a second-class citizen treatment to the people of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh. This diabolic pattern of suppressing its own people has witnessed a significant escalation since the advent of the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Exiled political activists from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) gathered outside the European Parliament in Brussels to protest against Pakistan-sponsored atrocities and plundering of resources in the region.

Exiled political activists from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) gathered outside the European Parliament in Brussels to protest against Pakistan-sponsored atrocities and plundering of resources in the region. The activists raised slogans against Islamabad blaming it for the construction of the Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Power Project and Diamer Bhasha Dam that has not only severely affected the flora and fauna of the region, but have left the common people reeling under abject poverty. "We are here in Brussels in front of the European Parliament demonstrating against the plundering of the natural resources of Kashmiri people (in Pakistan). We are here to protest against the state brutality and for the people who are suffering because of the policies of the Pakistani government. We are actually protesting against their policies, their nefarious designs," said Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP). Another UKPNP activist, named Jamil Maqsood, said, "The fundamental purpose of this demonstration was to highlight the human rights violations in the Pakistan administered Kashmir and occupied Gilgit-Baltistan because Pakistan is constructing Neelum Jhelum hydropower project and Diamer Bhasha dam in Gilgit Baltistan and in both these areas, people have been asked to leave their properties and leave their land without paying them any alternative land and without paying them any compensation". He added, "In Muzaffarabad, they (Pakistani government) have diverted Neelum river which is at the brink of extinction. It is completely destroyed and approximately hundreds of thousands of people in Neelum, Muzaffarabad and other lower riparian areas are deprived of the basic necessity of water." Activists from Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Mohajirs also joined the protest to raise the issue of human rights violations as Islamabad has employed similar repressive patterns in their provinces. Pakistan has been according to a second-class citizen treatment to the people of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh. This diabolic pattern of suppressing its own people has witnessed a significant escalation since the advent of the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

PoK activists hold anti-Pak protest outside European Parliament

India today rejected the <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/jk-terrorists-abduct-indian-army-soldier-from-pulwama-144334">United Nations report which called </a>for an inquiry into abuses in "Indian-administered Kashmir" as well as "Pakistan-administered Kashmir".&nbsp

India said the UN report on human rights violation in Kashmir was "fallacious, tendentious and motivated". UN report on Kashmir violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the ministry of external affairs said.

In a first of its kind report, the UN said there was an urgent need to address the past and ongoing human rights violations, "any resolution to the political situation in Kashmir should entail a commitment to ending the cycles of violence and accountability for past and current human rights violations."

Specifically named "Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Kashmir: Developments in the Indian State of J-K from June 2016 to April 2018, and General Human Rights Concerns in Azad J-K and Gilgit-Baltistan", it noted there were a variety of "armed groups operating" in the&nbspIndian state of J&K.

"Despite the Government of Pakistan's assertions of denial of any support to these groups, experts believe that Pakistan's military continues to support their operations across the Line of Control in Indian-Administered Kashmir," the report said. &nbsp

It said that there was documented evidence of these groups committing human right abuses, including kidnappings and killings of civilians.

The report said, "the people on both sides of the Line of Control have been detrimentally impacted and suffer from limitations or denial of a range of human rights."

The report asked for urgent repealing of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1990 and to "immediately remove the requirement for prior central government permission to prosecute security forces personnel accused of human rights violations in civilian courts."

It said that there was documented evidence of these groups committing human right abuses, including kidnappings and killings of civilians.

India today rejected the United Nations report which called for an inquiry into abuses in "Indian-administered Kashmir" as well as "Pakistan-administered Kashmir". India said the UN report on human rights violation in Kashmir was "fallacious, tendentious and motivated". UN report on Kashmir violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the ministry of external affairs said. In a first of its kind report, the UN said there was an urgent need to address the past and ongoing human rights violations, "any resolution to the political situation in Kashmir should entail a commitment to ending the cycles of violence and accountability for past and current human rights violations." Specifically named "Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Kashmir: Developments in the Indian State of J-K from June 2016 to April 2018, and General Human Rights Concerns in Azad J-K and Gilgit-Baltistan", it noted there were a variety of "armed groups operating" in the&nbspIndian state of J&K. "Despite the Government of Pakistan's assertions of denial of any support to these groups, experts believe that Pakistan's military continues to support their operations across the Line of Control in Indian-Administered Kashmir," the report said. It said that there was documented evidence of these groups committing human right abuses, including kidnappings and killings of civilians. The report said, "the people on both sides of the Line of Control have been detrimentally impacted and suffer from limitations or denial of a range of human rights." The report asked for urgent repealing of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1990 and to "immediately remove the requirement for prior central government permission to prosecute security forces personnel accused of human rights violations in civilian courts."

UN report on J&K is fallacious, tendentious and motivated: India

Locals of Kotli district of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have accused Pakistani security forces of illegal encroachment.

The residents also launched agitation against the illegal encroachment of their land by the Pakistan Army.

Since past few years there has been a growing resentment against Pakistan among the residents of the illegally-occupied region.

United Kashmir People's National Party Chairman Shaukat Ali Kashmiri said, "the army encroaches farmers' land which is fertile and ideally located. Land grabbing is being done by implementing Army Act. Now, the army has begun encroaching private land and houses allotted to them as per new housing scheme. Cases have been reported in Kotli, Neelam Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch and Bagh. Land grabbing incidents are happening across PoK."

He further said that the ruling governments, be it PML (N), PPP or PTI, all have maintained silence on these incidents.

"They have failed to raise any issued concerning the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Only, the local political parties have been raising the issues and the people are protesting against the forceful encroachment by the Army on people's private lands," he added.

Meanwhile, a member of United Kashmir People's National Party Jamil Maqsood also accused Pakistan military of occupying lands illegally, saying, before this the military of Pakistan had already occupied one playground in district Kotli.

"They are occupying all the important places, business areas, business places, commercial land," Maqsood added.

Locals in illegally-occupied PoK and Gilgit Baltistan often stage protests against Pakistan's ill treatment.

The residents blame Pakistan for exploiting their resources and for being responsible for the poverty and underdevelopment in the region.

Various leaders and activists also accuse the Pakistani Army and intelligence agencies of enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings in the region.

The residents also launched agitation against the illegal encroachment of their land by the Pakistan Army

Locals of Kotli district of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have accused Pakistani security forces of illegal encroachment. The residents also launched agitation against the illegal encroachment of their land by the Pakistan Army. Since past few years there has been a growing resentment against Pakistan among the residents of the illegally-occupied region. United Kashmir People's National Party Chairman Shaukat Ali Kashmiri said, "the army encroaches farmers' land which is fertile and ideally located. Land grabbing is being done by implementing Army Act. Now, the army has begun encroaching private land and houses allotted to them as per new housing scheme. Cases have been reported in Kotli, Neelam Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch and Bagh. Land grabbing incidents are happening across PoK." He further said that the ruling governments, be it PML (N), PPP or PTI, all have maintained silence on these incidents. "They have failed to raise any issued concerning the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Only, the local political parties have been raising the issues and the people are protesting against the forceful encroachment by the Army on people's private lands," he added. Meanwhile, a member of United Kashmir People's National Party Jamil Maqsood also accused Pakistan military of occupying lands illegally, saying, before this the military of Pakistan had already occupied one playground in district Kotli. "They are occupying all the important places, business areas, business places, commercial land," Maqsood added. Locals in illegally-occupied PoK and Gilgit Baltistan often stage protests against Pakistan's ill treatment. The residents blame Pakistan for exploiting their resources and for being responsible for the poverty and underdevelopment in the region. Various leaders and activists also accuse the Pakistani Army and intelligence agencies of enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings in the region.

Locals accuse Pakistan army of illegal encroachment in PoK

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's (PoK) Kotli district have accused security forces of illegal encroachment.

"What is your right to do this? You first captured our estate, and now, you are capturing our plots. We will not leave," the residents can be heard saying in a video clip.

PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) often stage widespread protests against Pakistan's ill-treatment of the region and its people.

The residents blame Pakistan for exploiting resources from PoK and for being responsible for the poverty and underdevelopment in the region.

The locals, including various leaders and activists, have also been accusing the Pakistani Army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of enforced disappearance, extra-judicial killings and human rights violation.

India has been bearing the brunt of Pakistan sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir for over three decades.

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&nbsp

PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) often stage widespread protests against Pakistan's ill-treatment of the region and its people.

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's (PoK) Kotli district have accused security forces of illegal encroachment. "What is your right to do this? You first captured our estate, and now, you are capturing our plots. We will not leave," the residents can be heard saying in a video clip. PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) often stage widespread protests against Pakistan's ill-treatment of the region and its people. The residents blame Pakistan for exploiting resources from PoK and for being responsible for the poverty and underdevelopment in the region. The locals, including various leaders and activists, have also been accusing the Pakistani Army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of enforced disappearance, extra-judicial killings and human rights violation. India has been bearing the brunt of Pakistan sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir for over three decades. #WATCH Locals of Kotli district in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) accuse Pakistan security forces of illegal encroachment, say, "what is your right to do this? You first captured our estate & now you are capturing our plots. We will not leave." pic.twitter.com/e0lMJM70ym — ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2018 ×

First you captured our Kashmir, now our plots: PoK Kashmiris to Pakistan army

Pakistan on Monday summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh and issued a demarche over the Indian statement that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947.

Pakistan Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly for the region. The order is being seen as Pakistan's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province.

India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over Islamabad's latest move, saying any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under its "forcible and illegal occupation" has no legal basis.

The Ministry of External Affairs said it conveyed to Shah that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947.

Commenting on India's remarks, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal today said that Singh was summoned on the issue.&nbsp

Faisal, who is also the Director General (South Asia & South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) issued the demarche to Singh.

Singh was summoned "to register Pakistan's categorical rejection of the Indian statement on the Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018 and its baseless, fallacious claim" over Kashmir, according to a statement issued by Faisal's office.&nbsp

It said a written demarche to this effect was also handed over to Singh.

The Foreign Office spokesman in a statement on Sunday claimed that the "Jammu and Kashmir was a disputed territory".

"Pakistan categorically rejects India's protest against the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 and its claim over Jammu & Kashmir as an 'integral part' of India. Everything from history to law to morality to the situation on the ground belies India's spurious claim," the spokesman said.

"These resolutions, pledging the right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir, were accepted by India, Pakistan and the international community," he said, referring to UN Security Council resolutions.

The spokesman said that Pakistan as a responsible member of the international community, had always taken steps consistent with UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

"The latest measure is no exception, as its aim is to further empower the people of Gilgit and Baltistan. We will continue to abide by the UN Security Council resolutions until this dispute is finally resolved through peaceful means,"&nbsphe said.

Pakistan has bifurcated occupied Kashmir into two administrative parts - Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Gilgit-Baltistan was treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan till now.&nbsp

China's controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through the disputed region.

It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status.

Pakistan Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly for the region. The order is being seen as Pakistan's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province

Pakistan on Monday summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh and issued a demarche over the Indian statement that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947. Pakistan Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly for the region. The order is being seen as Pakistan's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province. India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over Islamabad's latest move, saying any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under its "forcible and illegal occupation" has no legal basis. The Ministry of External Affairs said it conveyed to Shah that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947. Commenting on India's remarks, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal today said that Singh was summoned on the issue. Faisal, who is also the Director General (South Asia & South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) issued the demarche to Singh. Singh was summoned "to register Pakistan's categorical rejection of the Indian statement on the Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018 and its baseless, fallacious claim" over Kashmir, according to a statement issued by Faisal's office. It said a written demarche to this effect was also handed over to Singh. The Foreign Office spokesman in a statement on Sunday claimed that the "Jammu and Kashmir was a disputed territory". "Pakistan categorically rejects India's protest against the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 and its claim over Jammu & Kashmir as an 'integral part' of India. Everything from history to law to morality to the situation on the ground belies India's spurious claim," the spokesman said. "These resolutions, pledging the right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir, were accepted by India, Pakistan and the international community," he said, referring to UN Security Council resolutions. The spokesman said that Pakistan as a responsible member of the international community, had always taken steps consistent with UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir dispute. "The latest measure is no exception, as its aim is to further empower the people of Gilgit and Baltistan. We will continue to abide by the UN Security Council resolutions until this dispute is finally resolved through peaceful means,"&nbsphe said. Pakistan has bifurcated occupied Kashmir into two administrative parts - Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Gilgit-Baltistan was treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan till now. China's controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through the disputed region. It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status.

Pakistan summons India's Deputy High Commissioner over 'Gilgit-Baltistan' issue

Pakistan's top civil and military leaders have decided to give greater administrative and financial authority to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the region through which the controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes.

During a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) - the top civil and military body - Sartaj Aziz, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, on Saturday briefed the Committee on the PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan reform proposals, an official statement said.

The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi reviewed these proposals and after detailed deliberations a consensus was reached on the "devolution of greater administrative authority and financial powers" to the PoK government and the Gilgit-Baltistan government, according to the statement.

The details of administrative and financial reform have not been shared so far.

However, there was also consensus over retention of the PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan Councils as advisory bodies and the grant of a five-year tax holiday to Gilgit-Baltistan so as to create adequate incentives for the development of the region and bring it at par with the other areas of Pakistan.

Gilgit-Baltistan is treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan. Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh are four provinces of Pakistan.

India has termed as "entirely unacceptable" any possible attempt by Pakistan to declare the Gilgit-Baltistan region, bordering the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as the fifth province. India has protested to China over the CPEC which goes through Gilgit-Baltistan region.

It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status.

Earlier media reports had said that Pakistan plans to elevate the constitutional status of the region to provide legal cover to the CPEC.

The NSC also endorsed that FATA shall be merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with the introduction of the administrative and judicial institutional structures and laws of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the statement said.

The Committee directed the concerned ministries to work out the constitutional, legal and administrative modalities for the merger in consultation with all parties in the Parliament.

The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Defence & Foreign Affairs Khurram Dastgir Khan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Naval and Air forces, ISI chief and other senior civil and military officials

Pakistan's top civil and military leaders have decided to give greater administrative and financial authority to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the region through which the controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes

Pakistan's top civil and military leaders have decided to give greater administrative and financial authority to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the region through which the controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes. During a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) - the top civil and military body - Sartaj Aziz, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, on Saturday briefed the Committee on the PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan reform proposals, an official statement said. The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi reviewed these proposals and after detailed deliberations a consensus was reached on the "devolution of greater administrative authority and financial powers" to the PoK government and the Gilgit-Baltistan government, according to the statement. The details of administrative and financial reform have not been shared so far. However, there was also consensus over retention of the PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan Councils as advisory bodies and the grant of a five-year tax holiday to Gilgit-Baltistan so as to create adequate incentives for the development of the region and bring it at par with the other areas of Pakistan. Gilgit-Baltistan is treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan. Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh are four provinces of Pakistan. India has termed as "entirely unacceptable" any possible attempt by Pakistan to declare the Gilgit-Baltistan region, bordering the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as the fifth province. India has protested to China over the CPEC which goes through Gilgit-Baltistan region. It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status. Earlier media reports had said that Pakistan plans to elevate the constitutional status of the region to provide legal cover to the CPEC. The NSC also endorsed that FATA shall be merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with the introduction of the administrative and judicial institutional structures and laws of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the statement said. The Committee directed the concerned ministries to work out the constitutional, legal and administrative modalities for the merger in consultation with all parties in the Parliament. The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Defence & Foreign Affairs Khurram Dastgir Khan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Naval and Air forces, ISI chief and other senior civil and military officials

Pak to give greater administrative and financial authority to PoK, Gilgit-Baltistan

&nbspAn organisation representing the people displaced from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir today staged a protest in Jammu, urging the Centre to take up with Pakistan the issue of their pilgrimage to abandoned shrines across the border.

The SOS International also highlighted the delay in providing relief to the community as promised by the Centre more than two years ago and called for speeding up the process.

Led by the organisation's chairman Rajiv Chuni, a group of displaced persons staged a sit-in near Tawi bridge in support of their demands.

"We were forced out of our birthplace over seven decades ago. Many of our elders left this world with unfilled dream of visiting our religious places in their lifetime," Chuni told PTI.

He said the Centre should immediately take this up with Pakistan so that "we are able to visit our shrines."

Chuni also criticised the state government for its alleged failure to implement the Rs 2,000-crore relief announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 7, 2015, for the "one-time settlement" of the displaced people.

"After the lapse of more than two and a half years, only one-sixth of PoK displaced persons' families have been covered till date," he said, threatening to intensify the agitation.

Out of the 31,500 families, only 6,000 families have been provided compensation to the tune of Rs 500 crore, he said.&nbsp

The SOS International also highlighted the delay in providing relief to the community as promised by the Centre more than two years ago and called for speeding up the process

&nbspAn organisation representing the people displaced from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir today staged a protest in Jammu, urging the Centre to take up with Pakistan the issue of their pilgrimage to abandoned shrines across the border. The SOS International also highlighted the delay in providing relief to the community as promised by the Centre more than two years ago and called for speeding up the process. Led by the organisation's chairman Rajiv Chuni, a group of displaced persons staged a sit-in near Tawi bridge in support of their demands. "We were forced out of our birthplace over seven decades ago. Many of our elders left this world with unfilled dream of visiting our religious places in their lifetime," Chuni told PTI. He said the Centre should immediately take this up with Pakistan so that "we are able to visit our shrines." Chuni also criticised the state government for its alleged failure to implement the Rs 2,000-crore relief announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 7, 2015, for the "one-time settlement" of the displaced people. "After the lapse of more than two and a half years, only one-sixth of PoK displaced persons' families have been covered till date," he said, threatening to intensify the agitation. Out of the 31,500 families, only 6,000 families have been provided compensation to the tune of Rs 500 crore, he said.

Displaced PoK people seek Centre's intervention to visit shrines across the border

Exiled PoK activist Nasir Aziz Khan has said that the unemployed in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/jklf-activist-naeem-butt-killed-during-a-protest-march-in-pok-9583">Pakistan Occupied Kashmir</a> are soft targets for terrorists.

Adding that terror groups were flourishing in PoK, he also said&nbsp;Pakistan is not ready to listen to the voices of Kashmiris of Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pok-residents-protest-against-pak-brutalities-127418">(PoK) frequently protest against the Pakistan </a>government and the army's atrocities.&nbsp;

The people also protest against the regular cross-border firing.&nbsp;

Another PoK activist Mir Afzal Suleria&nbsp;had said earlier that the locals in the area are being used as human shields. He said that the army uses their houses to fire gunshots and mortar shells across the border. Consequently, the counter firing from the other side is targetted on these houses, resulting in heavy casualty.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pok-residents-demand-azadi-raise-slogans-against-pakistan-army-36313">PoK residents demand '</a> <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pok-residents-demand-azadi-raise-slogans-against-pakistan-army-36313">azadi</a> <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pok-residents-demand-azadi-raise-slogans-against-pakistan-army-36313">', raise slogans against Pakistan Army</a>

The protesters in PoK had earlier blamed the government and prime minister of the state Raja Farooq Haider for ceasefire violations and for deliberately provoking India for cross firing.

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Pakistan is not ready to listen to voices of Kashmiris of PoK, so unfortunately the unemployed youth become soft targets for terrorists. Terror groups are flourishing in PoK: Nasir Aziz Khan,Exiled PoK Activist <a href="https://t.co/TG1RRq2ITo">pic.twitter.com/TG1RRq2ITo</a>
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&nbsp;

Adding that terror groups were flourishing in PoK, he also said Pakistan is not ready to listen to the voices of Kashmiris of Pakistan occupied Kashmir

Exiled PoK activist Nasir Aziz Khan has said that the unemployed in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir are soft targets for terrorists. Adding that terror groups were flourishing in PoK, he also said Pakistan is not ready to listen to the voices of Kashmiris of Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) frequently protest against the Pakistan government and the army's atrocities. The people also protest against the regular cross-border firing. Another PoK activist Mir Afzal Suleria had said earlier that the locals in the area are being used as human shields. He said that the army uses their houses to fire gunshots and mortar shells across the border. Consequently, the counter firing from the other side is targetted on these houses, resulting in heavy casualty. Also read: PoK residents demand ' azadi ', raise slogans against Pakistan Army The protesters in PoK had earlier blamed the government and prime minister of the state Raja Farooq Haider for ceasefire violations and for deliberately provoking India for cross firing. Pakistan is not ready to listen to voices of Kashmiris of PoK, so unfortunately the unemployed youth become soft targets for terrorists. Terror groups are flourishing in PoK: Nasir Aziz Khan,Exiled PoK Activist pic.twitter.com/TG1RRq2ITo — ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2018 ×

Unemployed in PoK are easy target for terrorists: Exiled PoK activist Nasir Aziz Khan

After PM Modi said the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-armys-surgical-strike-across-the-line-of-control-10-key-points-6938"> surgical strikes against Pakistan</a> in September 2016 were a 100 per cent success, the Pakistan foreign office said today that "by continuously repeating a lie, it doesn't turn into the truth."

Speaking at Westminster Central Hall on Wednesday evening PM Modi had said that India waited to inform Pakistan about the operation before disclosing it to the media and the people.

"I said before India gets to know, we should call Pakistan and tell them. We were calling them since 11am but they were scared to come on phone, at 12 we spoke to them and then told the Indian media," Modi had said.

Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said India's claims about&nbsp;"surgical strikes were false and baseless".

"Repeating a lie doesn't turn it into the truth," the spokesperson was quoted as saying by Pakistan's Dawn newspaper.

"These statements are nothing but a figment of imagination," the foreign office spokesman added.

Faisal,&nbsp;in fact, hit back at India saying that it was quite the other way around, &nbsp;accusing India of backing terrorists in Pakistan.&nbsp;

"Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav is proof of Indian state-sponsored terrorism," he said.

Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism last year however India moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the verdict.&nbsp;

In response, the ICJ halted his execution on India's appeal pending the final verdict.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3JyOsICc1YY" width="560"></iframe>

PM Modi had said that India waited to inform Pakistan about the surgical strikes before disclosing it to the media and the people.

After PM Modi said the surgical strikes against Pakistan in September 2016 were a 100 per cent success, the Pakistan foreign office said today that "by continuously repeating a lie, it doesn't turn into the truth." Speaking at Westminster Central Hall on Wednesday evening PM Modi had said that India waited to inform Pakistan about the operation before disclosing it to the media and the people. "I said before India gets to know, we should call Pakistan and tell them. We were calling them since 11am but they were scared to come on phone, at 12 we spoke to them and then told the Indian media," Modi had said. Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said India's claims about "surgical strikes were false and baseless". "Repeating a lie doesn't turn it into the truth," the spokesperson was quoted as saying by Pakistan's Dawn newspaper. "These statements are nothing but a figment of imagination," the foreign office spokesman added. Faisal, in fact, hit back at India saying that it was quite the other way around, accusing India of backing terrorists in Pakistan. "Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav is proof of Indian state-sponsored terrorism," he said. Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism last year however India moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the verdict. In response, the ICJ halted his execution on India's appeal pending the final verdict.

'Repeating a lie doesn't turn it into the truth,' says Pak on PM Modi's surgical strike statement

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has inaugurated the first unit of a key hydropower mega-project built with the financial and technical support of China in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The 969 MW Neelum Jehlum Hydropower Project near Muzaffarabad was announced more than 12 years ago but work on it lingered on until ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif vowed in 2013 to build it before the end of the five-year tenure of his government.

Though Sharif stepped down last year after disqualification by the Supreme Court his nominee and successor, Abbasi, yesterday lauded his vision and efforts for the project.

"Only 10 per cent work was done when the former prime minister (Sharif) decided to complete it. If we have succeeded it is due to his vision and efforts," Abbasi said.

As the project was delayed, the cost climbed to USD 5 billion, a three-fold increase in the initial estimates, Abbasi said, adding the project would be fully operational before the end of this year.

Abbasi thanked China for support and also paid tribute to 21 workers who died while working on the project.

Abbasi further said that government added about 10,400 MW power into the system in five years and addressed the chronic power shortage.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider addressing on the occasion demanded that 250 MW of electricity from the project should be dedicated to PoK to end energy crisis.

Earlier, chief of Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), Muzammil Hussain, said the NJHPP was conceived some three decades ago but the work was started only after it became evident that India was planning to build Kishanganga project.&nbsp;

The 969 MW Neelum Jehlum Hydropower Project near Muzaffarabad was announced more than 12 years ago

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has inaugurated the first unit of a key hydropower mega-project built with the financial and technical support of China in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The 969 MW Neelum Jehlum Hydropower Project near Muzaffarabad was announced more than 12 years ago but work on it lingered on until ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif vowed in 2013 to build it before the end of the five-year tenure of his government. Though Sharif stepped down last year after disqualification by the Supreme Court his nominee and successor, Abbasi, yesterday lauded his vision and efforts for the project. "Only 10 per cent work was done when the former prime minister (Sharif) decided to complete it. If we have succeeded it is due to his vision and efforts," Abbasi said. As the project was delayed, the cost climbed to USD 5 billion, a three-fold increase in the initial estimates, Abbasi said, adding the project would be fully operational before the end of this year. Abbasi thanked China for support and also paid tribute to 21 workers who died while working on the project. Abbasi further said that government added about 10,400 MW power into the system in five years and addressed the chronic power shortage. Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider addressing on the occasion demanded that 250 MW of electricity from the project should be dedicated to PoK to end energy crisis. Earlier, chief of Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), Muzammil Hussain, said the NJHPP was conceived some three decades ago but the work was started only after it became evident that India was planning to build Kishanganga project.

Pakistan inaugurates strategic hydropower project in PoK

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/trump-freezes-over-200-million-allocated-for-syrias-recovery-fund-127408">Trump freezes over $200 million allocated for Syria's 'recovery fund'</a>

The White House has instructed the State Department to freeze over $200 million in funds earmarked for "recovery efforts" in Syria, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/russia-to-expel-4-french-diplomats-over-spy-row-127407">Russia to expel 4 French diplomats over spy row</a>

Russia will expel four French diplomats in the aftermath of poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal at his home in Britain's Salisbury.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/tearful-warner-sorry-for-ball-tampering-weighing-up-appeal-127414">Tearful Warner sorry for ball-tampering, weighing up </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/tearful-warner-sorry-for-ball-tampering-weighing-up-appeal-127414">appeal</a>

Former Australia vice-captain David Warner apologised in tears Saturday for his role in a ball-tampering scandal and said he would weigh up an appeal against his 12-month ban.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/andhra-pradesh-4-killed-30-injured-due-to-rain-hailstorm-127411">Andhra Pradesh: 4 killed, 30 injured due to rain, hailstorm</a>

As many as four people were killed and nearly 30 injured after a sudden downpour and hailstorm hit Vontimitta village&nbsp;in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/south-asia/pok-residents-protest-against-pak-brutalities-127418">PoK residents protest against Pak brutalities</a>

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continue to protest against the Pakistan Army and the government, forcing the latter to stop cross-border firing.

Trump freezes over $200 million allocated for Syria's 'recovery fund' The White House has instructed the State Department to freeze over $200 million in funds earmarked for "recovery efforts" in Syria, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday. Russia to expel 4 French diplomats over spy row Russia will expel four French diplomats in the aftermath of poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal at his home in Britain's Salisbury. Tearful Warner sorry for ball-tampering, weighing up appeal Former Australia vice-captain David Warner apologised in tears Saturday for his role in a ball-tampering scandal and said he would weigh up an appeal against his 12-month ban. Andhra Pradesh: 4 killed, 30 injured due to rain, hailstorm As many as four people were killed and nearly 30 injured after a sudden downpour and hailstorm hit Vontimitta village in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. PoK residents protest against Pak brutalities Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continue to protest against the Pakistan Army and the government, forcing the latter to stop cross-border firing.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Pakistan Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan would be the &#39;industrial hub&#39; of the entire South Asian region soon, after the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is built.

In an interview with a private television channel, Iqbal said that the CPEC project would help to improve drastically in social infrastructure, industrial cooperation, agriculture, energy and other key sectors, adding that it would help to create millions of job opportunities for the Pakistani youth&nbsp;

The minister said in 2013 when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) came in to power, the country was facing many challenges, including terrorism, energy shortfall, and deteriorating law and order situation. The government with its effective policies, reduced terrorist acts, overcame energy shortage and improved the law and order situation.

&quot;Some 11,500-megawatt electricity was added to the national grid during the last four years. About USD 35 billion has been spent in the energy sector only and there was not even a single penny of loan included in it, rather it was investment under the CPEC,&quot; Iqbal asserted.

The Pakistani leader further said that the USD 62 billion economic corridor was launched after &#39;comprehensive consultation and consensus&#39; from all political parties which is a combination of uilding roads, rails, power plants and economic free zones in Pakistan. He also termed the CPEC project as a &#39;gamechanger&#39; for the country&#39;s economy as well.

He said that Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan would become the &#39;gateways&#39; for the economic corridor and trade zones would be set up at all provinces in Pakistan.

He added that Chinese and Pakistani companies would make large-scale investment in the trade zones, which would not only create new jobs for the citizens but also help to transfer &#39;new technology to Pakistan&#39;.

Last week, Iqbal had said that complete development og Gwadar will make Pakistan a hub of regional trade. He further announced that &nbsp;a genuine programme was initiated to mine coal from Thar, and first coal-based power project in the area which will become operational by the end of this year. He said Thar coal is enough to generate five thousand megawatts of electricity for four hundred years.

Further, he talked about the level of improvement in Balochistan and measures the Government had tajen to address the conditions in the state.&nbsp;

India is against the CPEC project since it passes through the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

Iqbal said that the CPEC project would help to improve drastically in social infrastructure, industrial cooperation, agriculture, energy and other key sectors

Pakistan Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan would be the 'industrial hub' of the entire South Asian region soon, after the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is built. In an interview with a private television channel, Iqbal said that the CPEC project would help to improve drastically in social infrastructure, industrial cooperation, agriculture, energy and other key sectors, adding that it would help to create millions of job opportunities for the Pakistani youth The minister said in 2013 when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) came in to power, the country was facing many challenges, including terrorism, energy shortfall, and deteriorating law and order situation. The government with its effective policies, reduced terrorist acts, overcame energy shortage and improved the law and order situation. "Some 11,500-megawatt electricity was added to the national grid during the last four years. About USD 35 billion has been spent in the energy sector only and there was not even a single penny of loan included in it, rather it was investment under the CPEC," Iqbal asserted. The Pakistani leader further said that the USD 62 billion economic corridor was launched after 'comprehensive consultation and consensus' from all political parties which is a combination of uilding roads, rails, power plants and economic free zones in Pakistan. He also termed the CPEC project as a 'gamechanger' for the country's economy as well. He said that Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan would become the 'gateways' for the economic corridor and trade zones would be set up at all provinces in Pakistan. He added that Chinese and Pakistani companies would make large-scale investment in the trade zones, which would not only create new jobs for the citizens but also help to transfer 'new technology to Pakistan'. Last week, Iqbal had said that complete development og Gwadar will make Pakistan a hub of regional trade. He further announced that a genuine programme was initiated to mine coal from Thar, and first coal-based power project in the area which will become operational by the end of this year. He said Thar coal is enough to generate five thousand megawatts of electricity for four hundred years. Further, he talked about the level of improvement in Balochistan and measures the Government had tajen to address the conditions in the state. India is against the CPEC project since it passes through the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan to be 'industrial hub' of South Asia after CPEC project: Pak Interior Minister

Massive protests continued in cities across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday over a demand to abolish the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council headed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

&quot;People of Kashmir feel Pakistan has been ruling over us through the Kashmir council. It needs to be abolished,&quot; United Kashmir People&#39;s National Party leader Ishtiyaq Ahmad said on Sunday.The protesters have been demanding constitutional amendments in interim act - 1974 of PoK to ensure full empowerment of the elected government of PoK through transfer of all powers of the Kashmir council to the government.

The protests have intensified after the Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Raja Farooq Haider Khan said the PoK was not going to become a province of Pakistan. Rather, his government wants the Kashmir Council to be abolished.

The PoK has its own elected President, Prime Minister, Legislative Assembly and the Supreme Court, but important matters, including the budget and tax affairs, are dealt by the Kashmir Council.

&quot;We demand that besides holding agitation, the need is to practically implement the demand of abolishing the Kashmir Council. All rights to be directly given to the government of Azad Kashmir, so that people gets empowered, Azad Kashmir government gets empowered. The Kashmir Council needs to be abolished urgently,&quot;

PoK&#39;s Supreme Court advocate Adnan had recently said. Pakistan has misruled the region for more than seven decades. There is a Prime Minister and President in PoK, but they are merely stooges who have been helping Islamabad fill its treasuries through economic depredations.

The people of the region have been denied basic fundamental rights and are meted out with severe brutality if they demand the same.

The PoK has its own elected President, Prime Minister, Legislative Assembly and the Supreme Court

Massive protests continued in cities across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday over a demand to abolish the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council headed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. "People of Kashmir feel Pakistan has been ruling over us through the Kashmir council. It needs to be abolished," United Kashmir People's National Party leader Ishtiyaq Ahmad said on Sunday.The protesters have been demanding constitutional amendments in interim act - 1974 of PoK to ensure full empowerment of the elected government of PoK through transfer of all powers of the Kashmir council to the government. The protests have intensified after the Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Raja Farooq Haider Khan said the PoK was not going to become a province of Pakistan. Rather, his government wants the Kashmir Council to be abolished. The PoK has its own elected President, Prime Minister, Legislative Assembly and the Supreme Court, but important matters, including the budget and tax affairs, are dealt by the Kashmir Council. "We demand that besides holding agitation, the need is to practically implement the demand of abolishing the Kashmir Council. All rights to be directly given to the government of Azad Kashmir, so that people gets empowered, Azad Kashmir government gets empowered. The Kashmir Council needs to be abolished urgently," PoK's Supreme Court advocate Adnan had recently said. Pakistan has misruled the region for more than seven decades. There is a Prime Minister and President in PoK, but they are merely stooges who have been helping Islamabad fill its treasuries through economic depredations. The people of the region have been denied basic fundamental rights and are meted out with severe brutality if they demand the same.

Massive anti-Pak protests continue in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir

India&#39;s defence ministry has informed the country <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-troops-fire-at-loc-posts-in-poonch-army-captain-injured-29759">will be buying 160,000 guns </a>worth $553 million for troops at the border.

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman while charing the Defence acquisition council cleared the purchase of 72,400 assault rifles and &nbsp;93,895 carbines worth $553 million.

The forces will now conduct trials and shortlist guns to be brought, bids were placed back in 2014 but the Indian Army could not find buyers with the required specifications.

India&#39;s defence requirement across all major forces - Army, Navy and Air Force - have been left on the backburner several decades, only recently several defence deals have begun to be cleared by the Defense ministry.

India was ranked in the fifth position in 2016 among world&#39;s largest military spenders as the country&#39;s expenditure grew by 8.5% to $55.9 billion.

Last year India had signed missile deals worth multi-billion dollars with Israel and had placed orders to procure artillery guns from South Korea.

In December, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had commissioned Scorpene-class submarine Kalvari into the Indian Navy after extensive tests.

The defence ministry has also expedited the acquisition of warplanes for the Indian Air Force.

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman while charing the Defence acquisition council cleared the purchase of 72,400 assault rifles and 93,895 carbines worth $553 million.

India's defence ministry has informed the country will be buying 160,000 guns worth $553 million for troops at the border. Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman while charing the Defence acquisition council cleared the purchase of 72,400 assault rifles and 93,895 carbines worth $553 million. The forces will now conduct trials and shortlist guns to be brought, bids were placed back in 2014 but the Indian Army could not find buyers with the required specifications. India's defence requirement across all major forces - Army, Navy and Air Force - have been left on the backburner several decades, only recently several defence deals have begun to be cleared by the Defense ministry. India was ranked in the fifth position in 2016 among world's largest military spenders as the country's expenditure grew by 8.5% to $55.9 billion. Last year India had signed missile deals worth multi-billion dollars with Israel and had placed orders to procure artillery guns from South Korea. In December, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had commissioned Scorpene-class submarine Kalvari into the Indian Navy after extensive tests. The defence ministry has also expedited the acquisition of warplanes for the Indian Air Force.

India to buy 160,000 guns including assault rifles for border troops

Chinese efforts to make best of the French President Macron&rsquo;s visit to claim the success of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), recently enshrined in the Constitution, have not been bought by the West. Macron has been balanced in choosing his words to say &ldquo;I want us to define together the rules of a balanced relationship in which everyone will win.&rdquo; Referring specifically to China&rsquo;s BRI to revive Silk Road trade routes, he said &ldquo;the ancient Silk Roads were never only Chinese&rdquo; and also &ldquo;the new roads cannot only go one way&rdquo;.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Macron&#39;s words, therefore, underlines the fact that the BRI cannot be only China-centric with the bulk of contracts going to Chinese companies to revive their sliding economy.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Many countries in the European Union see the $1 trillion BRI as an example of Chinese expansionism and the proposed deals lacking transparency and level playing field, highly skewed in favor of China.

&nbsp;

From the conception of the One Belt One Road (OBOR), later published in BRI document, it was quite clear that the BRI project has been conceived by China, to improve its connectivity with four continents to increase its infrastructure investments, utilise it&#39;s capacities and trade surpluses, besides increasing its strategic footprints globally. It is a &#39;China First&#39; programme without calling it so. China planned to organised OBOR Summit last year, expecting attendance of all global leaders, but when it was clear that the world will not sign on the dotted line of China, and most top leaders will not attend, it was renamed as Belt and Road Forum (BRF).

&nbsp;

BRI is also a tool for creating connectivity for Chinese global deployability to be able to take on a global leadership role. China wants the world to believe that it is a benign project for inclusive growth of partners, but the idea has been bought by only those countries which need Chinese capital or other support. Some others who cannot oppose China for various reasons have also followed it because of lack of choices.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The countries which joined the Chinese bandwagon were helpless, in dire need of capital to develop infrastructure in their country.&nbsp; Most of them now realise that it was exploitative. The problem still remains that who will provide the capital for such a fancy one-sided project conceived for China&#39;s economic survival and to fulfill its global leadership ambition? The European countries realise that with major contracts planned for Chinese companies, it is not a win-win project but only a China- win project.

&nbsp;

India boycotted BRF because China-Pakistan-Economic-Corridor (CPEC), (part of BRI) passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), which as sovereign territory of India violates Indian sovereignty. No other country is confronted with an issue as serious as &ldquo;sovereignty issue&rdquo; in context of BRI as India, hence, India stance is well-justified.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Moreover, it is wishful thinking that militants harboured in Pakistan will ever allow our trade to pass through to CAR/Afghanistan. In case of Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM), India has already established connectivity through Bangladesh from Kolkata to Agartala. The roads in the northeastern states are being developed by India, and connectivity to Myanmar is being developed bilaterally, hence, China-driven BCIM has very little to charm India.

&nbsp;

I feel that Chinese advertisement of Macron&#39;s support to BRI is part of popularising it. On Macron&#39;s part, it is part of diplomatic niceties, the depth of which will be known only when contracts pertaining to BRI are inked.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Chinese advertisement of Macron's support to BRI is part of popularising it. On Macron's part, it is part of diplomatic niceties.

Chinese efforts to make best of the French President Macron’s visit to claim the success of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), recently enshrined in the Constitution, have not been bought by the West. Macron has been balanced in choosing his words to say “I want us to define together the rules of a balanced relationship in which everyone will win.” Referring specifically to China’s BRI to revive Silk Road trade routes, he said “the ancient Silk Roads were never only Chinese” and also “the new roads cannot only go one way”. Macron's words, therefore, underlines the fact that the BRI cannot be only China-centric with the bulk of contracts going to Chinese companies to revive their sliding economy. Many countries in the European Union see the $1 trillion BRI as an example of Chinese expansionism and the proposed deals lacking transparency and level playing field, highly skewed in favor of China. From the conception of the One Belt One Road (OBOR), later published in BRI document, it was quite clear that the BRI project has been conceived by China, to improve its connectivity with four continents to increase its infrastructure investments, utilise it's capacities and trade surpluses, besides increasing its strategic footprints globally. It is a 'China First' programme without calling it so. China planned to organised OBOR Summit last year, expecting attendance of all global leaders, but when it was clear that the world will not sign on the dotted line of China, and most top leaders will not attend, it was renamed as Belt and Road Forum (BRF). BRI is also a tool for creating connectivity for Chinese global deployability to be able to take on a global leadership role. China wants the world to believe that it is a benign project for inclusive growth of partners, but the idea has been bought by only those countries which need Chinese capital or other support. Some others who cannot oppose China for various reasons have also followed it because of lack of choices. The countries which joined the Chinese bandwagon were helpless, in dire need of capital to develop infrastructure in their country. Most of them now realise that it was exploitative. The problem still remains that who will provide the capital for such a fancy one-sided project conceived for China's economic survival and to fulfill its global leadership ambition? The European countries realise that with major contracts planned for Chinese companies, it is not a win-win project but only a China- win project. India boycotted BRF because China-Pakistan-Economic-Corridor (CPEC), (part of BRI) passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), which as sovereign territory of India violates Indian sovereignty. No other country is confronted with an issue as serious as “sovereignty issue” in context of BRI as India, hence, India stance is well-justified. Moreover, it is wishful thinking that militants harboured in Pakistan will ever allow our trade to pass through to CAR/Afghanistan. In case of Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM), India has already established connectivity through Bangladesh from Kolkata to Agartala. The roads in the northeastern states are being developed by India, and connectivity to Myanmar is being developed bilaterally, hence, China-driven BCIM has very little to charm India. I feel that Chinese advertisement of Macron's support to BRI is part of popularising it. On Macron's part, it is part of diplomatic niceties, the depth of which will be known only when contracts pertaining to BRI are inked. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Should India take French President's visit to China as endorsement of BRI?

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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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944923063132463104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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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;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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

India has issued demarches to both <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/protest-in-pok-against-pakistan-government-for-diverting-resources-26599">Pakistan and China conveying its position</a> on the construction of dams on the Indus river in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) by the Pakistani government with assistance committed to these projects by China, the government said today.&nbsp;

Replying to a written question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said India has a clear and consistent position that these territories are illegally occupied by Pakistan and that these territories are illegally occupied by Pakistan and that any collaborative activity there is in violation of India&#39;s sovereignty and territorial integrity.&nbsp;

&quot;Accordingly, we have made demarches to both Pakistan and China conveying the position. The government continues to maintain this position,&quot; Singh said.&nbsp;

Replying to a separate question on China&#39;s &#39;One Belt One Road&#39; (OBOR) initiative, Singh said the government has clearly articulated its firm belief that connectivity initiatives must be &quot;based on universally recognised international norms, good governance, rule of law...and must be pursued in a manner that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity&quot;.&nbsp;

He also asserted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC), which is being projected as a flagship project of OBOR initiative, passes through parts of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir which has been in illegal occupation of Pakistan since 1947.&nbsp;

&quot;The government has conveyed to the Chinese side, including at the highest level, its concerns about China&#39;s activities in PoK and asked them to cease these activities,&quot; the minister added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Minister of state for external affairs V K Singh said India has a clear and consistent position that these territories are illegally occupied by Pakistan

India has issued demarches to both Pakistan and China conveying its position on the construction of dams on the Indus river in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) by the Pakistani government with assistance committed to these projects by China, the government said today. Replying to a written question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said India has a clear and consistent position that these territories are illegally occupied by Pakistan and that these territories are illegally occupied by Pakistan and that any collaborative activity there is in violation of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Accordingly, we have made demarches to both Pakistan and China conveying the position. The government continues to maintain this position," Singh said. Replying to a separate question on China's 'One Belt One Road' (OBOR) initiative, Singh said the government has clearly articulated its firm belief that connectivity initiatives must be "based on universally recognised international norms, good governance, rule of law...and must be pursued in a manner that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity". He also asserted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC), which is being projected as a flagship project of OBOR initiative, passes through parts of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir which has been in illegal occupation of Pakistan since 1947. "The government has conveyed to the Chinese side, including at the highest level, its concerns about China's activities in PoK and asked them to cease these activities," the minister added.

India issued demarches to Pakistan, China on dams in PoK: MoS VK Singh

In yet another protest by the locals of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (Pok), the people are strongly opposing the construction of dams and hydroelectricity&nbsp;projects in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The locals held protest against the Pakistan government&#39;s &quot;plundering of resources&quot; from their region.&nbsp;

They have cited that the resources of the region are being plundered and they do not benefit from the project.

The leader of the United Kashmir People&#39;s National Party,I&nbsp;Mir has said that the Pakistan government is diverting the flow of rivers to Islamabad. He added that the Country&#39;s government did not even consider the regional government before taking such decisions.&nbsp;

He said &quot; Pakistan government with the help of other countries has been stopping the flow of the rivers and altering their routes to meet needs of the people of Islamabad. Regional government not even considered while taking such decisions, locals suffer. &quot;

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Muzaffarabad, PoK: Local people strongly oppose the construction of dams and hydro-electric projects in the region, say, resources of region being plundered and they do not benefit from the projects. <a href="https://t.co/prWT4n0rQr">pic.twitter.com/prWT4n0rQr</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940780977227550721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Pak govt with the help of other countries has been stopping the flow of the rivers &amp;altering their routes to meet needs of the people of Islamabad. Regional govt not even considered while taking such decisions, locals suffer: I Mir, Leader,United Kashmir People&rsquo;s National Party <a href="https://t.co/T0RswBYKZJ">pic.twitter.com/T0RswBYKZJ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940782021160222720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Recently, <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 by members of Baloch and Sindhi community</a> in London.&nbsp;

They protested against the 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;

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 protest from&nbsp;minorities</a>&nbsp;who revolt against the suppression being inflicted on them.

The locals have cited that the resources of the region are being plundered and they do not benefit from the project

In yet another protest by the locals of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (Pok), the people are strongly opposing the construction of dams and hydroelectricity projects in the region. The locals held protest against the Pakistan government's "plundering of resources" from their region. They have cited that the resources of the region are being plundered and they do not benefit from the project. The leader of the United Kashmir People's National Party,I Mir has said that the Pakistan government is diverting the flow of rivers to Islamabad. He added that the Country's government did not even consider the regional government before taking such decisions. He said " Pakistan government with the help of other countries has been stopping the flow of the rivers and altering their routes to meet needs of the people of Islamabad. Regional government not even considered while taking such decisions, locals suffer. " Muzaffarabad, PoK: Local people strongly oppose the construction of dams and hydro-electric projects in the region, say, resources of region being plundered and they do not benefit from the projects. pic.twitter.com/prWT4n0rQr — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2017 × Pak govt with the help of other countries has been stopping the flow of the rivers &altering their routes to meet needs of the people of Islamabad. Regional govt not even considered while taking such decisions, locals suffer: I Mir, Leader,United Kashmir People’s National Party pic.twitter.com/T0RswBYKZJ — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2017 × Recently, similar protests were staged by members of Baloch and Sindhi community in London. They protested against the 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. Pakistan has been witnessing several protest from minorities who revolt against the suppression being inflicted on them.

Protest in PoK against Pakistan government for 'diverting resources'

&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

Seventy-seven residents of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) today travelled by the cross-LoC bus to meet their relatives on the two sides of the Line of Control, officials said.

Forty-eight PoK residents arrived here on the cross-LoC bus service via Poonch-Rawalakot in Jammu and Kashmir, a senior official said.

From India, 22 PoK residents returned on the LoC bus, while six freshers from India travelled on the LoC bus to PoK, he said.

The weekly bus service, popularly known as paigam-e-amun or message of peace, resumed on November 6 after remaining suspended for nearly four months owing to heavy Pakistani shelling along the LoC in Poonch district.

Billed as the biggest confidence-building measure, the bus service was started on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route in the Kashmir Valley in April 2005 and the Poonch-Rawalakot route in the Jammu region on June 20, 2006, to facilitate easier trade and travel between the divided families of Jammu and Kashmir and the PoK.

The trade between the two parts of Kashmir started in October 2008 on a barter system.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The weekly bus service, popularly known as paigam-e-amun or message of peace, resumed on November 6 after remaining suspended for nearly four months owing to heavy Pakistani shelling along the LoC in Poonch district

Seventy-seven residents of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) today travelled by the cross-LoC bus to meet their relatives on the two sides of the Line of Control, officials said. Forty-eight PoK residents arrived here on the cross-LoC bus service via Poonch-Rawalakot in Jammu and Kashmir, a senior official said. From India, 22 PoK residents returned on the LoC bus, while six freshers from India travelled on the LoC bus to PoK, he said. The weekly bus service, popularly known as paigam-e-amun or message of peace, resumed on November 6 after remaining suspended for nearly four months owing to heavy Pakistani shelling along the LoC in Poonch district. Billed as the biggest confidence-building measure, the bus service was started on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route in the Kashmir Valley in April 2005 and the Poonch-Rawalakot route in the Jammu region on June 20, 2006, to facilitate easier trade and travel between the divided families of Jammu and Kashmir and the PoK. The trade between the two parts of Kashmir started in October 2008 on a barter system.

77 people travelled on cross-LoC bus service via Poonch

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah waded into another controversy on Monday after he dared the Indian government to raise the tricolour in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Srinagar.&nbsp;

&ldquo;They are talking of raising flag at PoK. I ask them, first you go and raise the Tricolour at Lal Chawk in Srinagar. They can&rsquo;t even do that here and they are talking about PoK,&rdquo; Abdullah told Alert India News.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He also mentioned the Kashmiri Pandits, saying that they had had to live away from home for 28 years and still nothing had been done for them.&nbsp;

Abdullah has run afoul of public opinion a number of times in recent weeks.&nbsp;

He recently said that, after 70 years, we have to accept Pakistan-occupied Kashmir belongs to Pakistan.&nbsp;

He also asked for how long will the blood of innocent people be shed.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/for-how-long-will-we-say-pok-is-ours-farooq-abdullah-24318" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;For how long will we say PoK is ours? Farooq Abdullah</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-ajit-doval-doctrine-has-failed-farooq-abdullah-22897" target="_blank">The Ajit Doval doctrine has failed: Farooq Abdullah</a>

And on Sunday he expressed his concern over the &quot;worsening security situation&quot; in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Abdullah was referring to the killing of a Territorial Army jawan by militants.&nbsp;

Abdullah also termed the talks between the Centre&#39;s interlocutor on Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma and the Kashmiri people a &quot;formality&quot;.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-and-a-difficult-out-of-south-kashmir-3206" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;In and a difficult out of South Kashmir</a>

Abdullah had recently said that, after 70 years, we have to accept PoK is a part of Pakistan

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah waded into another controversy on Monday after he dared the Indian government to raise the tricolour in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar. “They are talking of raising flag at PoK. I ask them, first you go and raise the Tricolour at Lal Chawk in Srinagar. They can’t even do that here and they are talking about PoK,” Abdullah told Alert India News. He also mentioned the Kashmiri Pandits, saying that they had had to live away from home for 28 years and still nothing had been done for them. Abdullah has run afoul of public opinion a number of times in recent weeks. He recently said that, after 70 years, we have to accept Pakistan-occupied Kashmir belongs to Pakistan. He also asked for how long will the blood of innocent people be shed. Also read: For how long will we say PoK is ours? Farooq Abdullah The Ajit Doval doctrine has failed: Farooq Abdullah And on Sunday he expressed his concern over the "worsening security situation" in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah was referring to the killing of a Territorial Army jawan by militants. Abdullah also termed the talks between the Centre's interlocutor on Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma and the Kashmiri people a "formality". Also read: In and a difficult out of South Kashmir

Watch: Never mind raising tricolour in PoK, first raise it in Srinagar, says Farooq Abdullah

Over a hundred Kashmiri workers engaged in Neelum Jhelum Hydro Electric Project in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have been sacked by CGG-CMEC, a Chinese consortium.

Sacked employees have been protesting against the consortium, demanding their jobs back or compensation in lieu of not being employed.

On July 7, 2007, the CGGC-CMEC (Gezhouba Group and China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation) was given a contract to construct the dam and power station in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a disputed territory of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The workers allege that they were sacked despite having a stay order from the court.

One of the sacked employees of the Neelum Jhelum Hydro Electric Project said, &quot;Last month, we took a stay order from the court. Despite that, the Chinese company sacked us.&quot;

Another sacked employee said, &quot;The workers are protesting for their rights. The Awami Labour Union has called this strike, but before that, we took a stay order from the court so that CGGC-CMEC (Consortium of China) should not sack any employee. Despite all, the Chinese company has sacked us. We are protesting against this unlawful act.&quot;

The Kashmiri employees are allegedly sacked to provide employment to workers from China.

Many sacked employees are now worried about their future as no opportunity is left for them. They were not even paid any compensation to start any business.

A third sacked employee said, &quot;I have been working in this company for the past eight years. I am sacked because they wanted to recruit a new person in my place. Else, they would have to pay me Rs. 3 lakh (Pakistani rupee) as gratuity. They have sacked me.&quot;

The Awami Labour Union has decided to continue their protests against the Chinese companies for spoiling the career over a hundred employees and their families.

A fourth sacked employee, &quot;We will keep protesting till our demands are met. We are ready to stay here for a month or year and will continue our protest.&quot;

The dam for diversion of Neelum waters through tunnels is constructed at Nauseri about 41 km upstream of Muzaffarabad city and outfall in Jhelum River.

The powerhouse is located at Chatter Kalas in Muzaffarabad.Residents of the region are against the Neelum Jhelum Hydro Electric Project because of environmental concerns and unrestricted displacement of inhabitants sans compensation.&nbsp;

Sacked employees have been protesting against the consortium, demanding their jobs back or compensation in lieu of not being employed.

Over a hundred Kashmiri workers engaged in Neelum Jhelum Hydro Electric Project in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have been sacked by CGG-CMEC, a Chinese consortium. Sacked employees have been protesting against the consortium, demanding their jobs back or compensation in lieu of not being employed. On July 7, 2007, the CGGC-CMEC (Gezhouba Group and China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation) was given a contract to construct the dam and power station in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a disputed territory of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. The workers allege that they were sacked despite having a stay order from the court. One of the sacked employees of the Neelum Jhelum Hydro Electric Project said, "Last month, we took a stay order from the court. Despite that, the Chinese company sacked us." Another sacked employee said, "The workers are protesting for their rights. The Awami Labour Union has called this strike, but before that, we took a stay order from the court so that CGGC-CMEC (Consortium of China) should not sack any employee. Despite all, the Chinese company has sacked us. We are protesting against this unlawful act." The Kashmiri employees are allegedly sacked to provide employment to workers from China. Many sacked employees are now worried about their future as no opportunity is left for them. They were not even paid any compensation to start any business. A third sacked employee said, "I have been working in this company for the past eight years. I am sacked because they wanted to recruit a new person in my place. Else, they would have to pay me Rs. 3 lakh (Pakistani rupee) as gratuity. They have sacked me." The Awami Labour Union has decided to continue their protests against the Chinese companies for spoiling the career over a hundred employees and their families. A fourth sacked employee, "We will keep protesting till our demands are met. We are ready to stay here for a month or year and will continue our protest." The dam for diversion of Neelum waters through tunnels is constructed at Nauseri about 41 km upstream of Muzaffarabad city and outfall in Jhelum River. The powerhouse is located at Chatter Kalas in Muzaffarabad.Residents of the region are against the Neelum Jhelum Hydro Electric Project because of environmental concerns and unrestricted displacement of inhabitants sans compensation.

Chinese company sacks employees working for Jhelum Hydro Electric Project in PoK

National Conference leader and former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-court-orders-to-file-fir-against-farooq-abdullah-on-charges-of-treason-24146" target="_blank">chief minister Farooq Abdullah</a>&#39;s remarks&nbsp;over Pok is drawing a lot of ire.

Days after a lawyer in Bihar approached a court over his remarks, a Jammu based social activist has also filed a complaint with a district magistrate.

The Jammu based social activist Sukesh Khajuria has not only filed a complaint against him but also against Rishi Kapoor.

The National Conference president Farooq Abdullah&nbsp;had&nbsp;said earlier that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pok-is-part-of-pakistan-farooq-abdullah-23989" target="_blank">Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan</a> and &quot;this won&#39;t change&quot; no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other. On the demand for autonomy, he said that while the state decided to join India out of love, the country &quot;betrayed&quot; the people of Kashmir and &quot;did not treat them well&quot;.

&quot;We should understand that there has been a decision (of accession), but India didn&#39;t treat us well. India betrayed us. They did not recognise the love with which we chose to join them. That is the reason behind the current situation in Kashmir,&quot; Abdullah told a news agency.

&quot;Internal autonomy is our right. They (Centre) should restore it. Only then the peace will return (to the Valley),&quot; he added.

Responding to him actor Rishi Kapoor tweeted &quot;Totally agree with you, sir. J&amp;K is ours, and PoK is theirs.&quot;

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Farooq Abdhulla ji, Salaam! Totally agree with you,sir. J&amp;K is ours, and PoK is theirs. This is the only way we can solve our problem. Accept it, I am 65 years old and I want to see Pakistan before I die. I want my children to see their roots. Bas karva Dijiye. Jai Mata Di !
&mdash; Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) <a href="https://twitter.com/chintskap/status/929429458188091392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The petition by the Jammu based social activist seeks action under section 196 of CrPc which deals with prosecution for offences against the State and for criminal conspiracy to commit such offence.

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Jammu based social activist Sukesh Khajuria filed a complaint with District Magistrate against Dr.Farooq Abdullah and Actor Rishi Kapoor for their remarks on PoK. Seeks action under section 196 of CrPC <a href="https://t.co/yb01tsFgyc">pic.twitter.com/yb01tsFgyc</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/931476630903562241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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A petition against Abdullah was also filed in Delhi High Court.

The plea is likely to be heard on November 20.

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A petition has also been filed in Delhi High Court against Dr. Farooq Abdullah for his PoK comment. High Court is likely to hear the matter on November 20 <a href="https://t.co/3MKvUs0ius">pic.twitter.com/3MKvUs0ius</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/931488862244704258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Complaints were filed against Abdullah in Bihar, Jammu and Delhi

National Conference leader and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah's remarks over Pok is drawing a lot of ire. Days after a lawyer in Bihar approached a court over his remarks, a Jammu based social activist has also filed a complaint with a district magistrate. The Jammu based social activist Sukesh Khajuria has not only filed a complaint against him but also against Rishi Kapoor. The National Conference president Farooq Abdullah had said earlier that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and "this won't change" no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other. On the demand for autonomy, he said that while the state decided to join India out of love, the country "betrayed" the people of Kashmir and "did not treat them well". "We should understand that there has been a decision (of accession), but India didn't treat us well. India betrayed us. They did not recognise the love with which we chose to join them. That is the reason behind the current situation in Kashmir," Abdullah told a news agency. "Internal autonomy is our right. They (Centre) should restore it. Only then the peace will return (to the Valley)," he added. Responding to him actor Rishi Kapoor tweeted "Totally agree with you, sir. J&K is ours, and PoK is theirs." Farooq Abdhulla ji, Salaam! Totally agree with you,sir. J&K is ours, and PoK is theirs. This is the only way we can solve our problem. Accept it, I am 65 years old and I want to see Pakistan before I die. I want my children to see their roots. Bas karva Dijiye. Jai Mata Di ! — Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) November 11, 2017 × The petition by the Jammu based social activist seeks action under section 196 of CrPc which deals with prosecution for offences against the State and for criminal conspiracy to commit such offence. Jammu based social activist Sukesh Khajuria filed a complaint with District Magistrate against Dr.Farooq Abdullah and Actor Rishi Kapoor for their remarks on PoK. Seeks action under section 196 of CrPC pic.twitter.com/yb01tsFgyc — ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2017 × A petition against Abdullah was also filed in Delhi High Court. The plea is likely to be heard on November 20. A petition has also been filed in Delhi High Court against Dr. Farooq Abdullah for his PoK comment. High Court is likely to hear the matter on November 20 pic.twitter.com/3MKvUs0ius — ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2017 ×

Complaints filed against Farooq Abdullah and Rishi Kapoor over PoK comments

Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor on Sunday said that he &#39;&#39;wishes to see Pakistan before he dies&#39;&#39;&nbsp;and hopes that his children are able to see their roots.&nbsp;

Opposition National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday made a statement that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (<a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/23989">PoK) belongs to Pakistan and &quot;this won&#39;t change&quot;</a> no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other.&nbsp;

The veteran actor, who is originally&nbsp;from Peshawar, Pakistan, took to Twitter and expressed his opinion -- saying &#39;that he totally agrees with Farooq Abdhulla ji&#39; and that &#39;J&amp;K is ours, and PoK is theirs. This is the only way we can solve our problem&#39;.&nbsp;

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Farooq Abdhulla ji, Salaam! Totally agree with you,sir. J&amp;K is ours, and PoK is theirs. This is the only way we can solve our problem. Accept it, I am 65 years old and I want to see Pakistan before I die. I want my children to see their roots. Bas karva Dijiye. Jai Mata Di !
&mdash; Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) <a href="https://twitter.com/chintskap/status/929429458188091392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The actor&#39;s tweet went viral and resulted in the heated exchange among many people, who also expressed their voice in the matter.&nbsp;

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Sir, Dheere boliye. Sunny Deol ne sun liya to aapke ghar ke pump ukhaad dega.
&mdash; Roflindian (@Roflindian) <a href="https://twitter.com/Roflindian/status/929433363890372608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Arre Sirji 65 Ki Age Me Neat Nhi Maarte. Soda Khatm Ho Gya To Paani Hi Mila Liya Karo. ?????????? 
 
??POK Is Ours 
??J&amp;K Is Ours 
??We&#39;ll Liberate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Balochistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Balochistan</a> As Well??<a href="https://t.co/ZJ32rLmSAv">https://t.co/ZJ32rLmSAv</a>
&mdash; Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) <a href="https://twitter.com/SirJadeja/status/929444691984113664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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i think apki Favorite hobby hai.........Controversy
&mdash; Urmila Roy (@ummii_roy) <a href="https://twitter.com/ummii_roy/status/929430989935218688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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So just because you want to see Pakistan, India should compromise with its sovereignty ?! ?? 
You can get permanent Visa of Pakistan after this tweet. So get it and Go To Hell.
&mdash; Jatan Acharya (@jatanacharya) <a href="https://twitter.com/jatanacharya/status/929598301296402432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://t.co/lynQWAKHLY">pic.twitter.com/lynQWAKHLY</a>
&mdash; Hamza Javaid (@Dude7375) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dude7375/status/929548022148665344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Kyun udta teer le rahe ho sir, 2 peg aur maro aur so jao
&mdash; Jon Yadav (@AndColorPockeT) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndColorPockeT/status/929429956869758978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Rishi Kapoor&nbsp;family&#39;s lineal haveli is located in the Kissa Khwani Bazaar locality in Pakistan. But, after the Partition in 1947&nbsp;the family moved to India.&nbsp;

The actor&#39;s statement comes days after Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had rejected the idea of an &quot;independent Kashmir&quot;, saying it was not based on &quot;reality&quot;.

The veteran actor, who is originally?from Peshawar, Pakistan, took to Twitter to express his opinion on the matter.

Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor on Sunday said that he ''wishes to see Pakistan before he dies'' and hopes that his children are able to see their roots. Opposition National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday made a statement that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and "this won't change" no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other. The veteran actor, who is originally from Peshawar, Pakistan, took to Twitter and expressed his opinion -- saying 'that he totally agrees with Farooq Abdhulla ji' and that 'J&K is ours, and PoK is theirs. This is the only way we can solve our problem'. Farooq Abdhulla ji, Salaam! Totally agree with you,sir. J&K is ours, and PoK is theirs. This is the only way we can solve our problem. Accept it, I am 65 years old and I want to see Pakistan before I die. I want my children to see their roots. Bas karva Dijiye. Jai Mata Di ! — Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) November 11, 2017 × The actor's tweet went viral and resulted in the heated exchange among many people, who also expressed their voice in the matter. Sir, Dheere boliye. Sunny Deol ne sun liya to aapke ghar ke pump ukhaad dega. — Roflindian (@Roflindian) November 11, 2017 × Arre Sirji 65 Ki Age Me Neat Nhi Maarte. Soda Khatm Ho Gya To Paani Hi Mila Liya Karo. ?????????? ??POK Is Ours ??J&K Is Ours ??We'll Liberate #Balochistan As Well??https://t.co/ZJ32rLmSAv — Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) November 11, 2017 × i think apki Favorite hobby hai.........Controversy — Urmila Roy (@ummii_roy) November 11, 2017 × So just because you want to see Pakistan, India should compromise with its sovereignty ?! ?? You can get permanent Visa of Pakistan after this tweet. So get it and Go To Hell. — Jatan Acharya (@jatanacharya) November 12, 2017 × pic.twitter.com/lynQWAKHLY — Hamza Javaid (@Dude7375) November 12, 2017 × Kyun udta teer le rahe ho sir, 2 peg aur maro aur so jao — Jon Yadav (@AndColorPockeT) November 11, 2017 × Rishi Kapoor family's lineal haveli is located in the Kissa Khwani Bazaar locality in Pakistan. But, after the Partition in 1947 the family moved to India. The actor's statement comes days after Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had rejected the idea of an "independent Kashmir", saying it was not based on "reality".

Totally agree with Farooq Abdhulla ji, J&K is ours and PoK is theirs: Rishi Kapoor

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