Panun Kashmir hails UK resolution on Gilgit-Baltistan

Tribune News Service

Jammu, March 27

Panun Kashmir, a frontal organisation of displaced Pandits, has welcomed the resolution passed by the UK Parliament condemning the efforts of Pakistan to include the territory of Gilgit and Baltistan as its fifth province.

Addressing a press conference, Panun Kashmir president Ashwani Kumar Chrangoo said the categorical assertion in the resolution that the state of Pakistan had been in possession of the territory illegally from 1947 was a matter of great satisfaction.

“Panun Kashmir, which represents the geo-political aspirations of the indigenous people of Kashmir, is thankful to parliamentarian Bob Blackman, Conservative Party, for historical resolution of a great political value,” said Chrangoo.

He said it was also a huge victory for the Government of India on the international diplomatic front. “The resolution also said Gilgit-Baltistan was legally and constitutionally a part of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir and the citizens of the area had no fundamental amenities and freedom of expression available to them,” Chrangoo said.

Prof ML Raina, chairman, Political Affairs Committee, expressed serious concern over the issue of illegal immigration of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas to the Jammu region. Saying there was a need to bring out a report on the subject stating clearly as to how these illegal immigration took place, he said persons responsible for their transportation and settlement in the sensitive border state should be identified.

Virender Raina, national spokesperson, Panun Kashmir, said the time had come when the political class of the state had to take a call regarding the passage of the all-important Temples and Shrines Bill in the coming session of the Assembly.