POK leaders justify India's objection to Chinese projects

New Delhi, Oct.14 (ANI): Nationalist leaders of Gilgit Baltistan have asked India to stop lip service and take stronger action to halt Chinese projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Chief of Gilgit Baltistan National Movement Manzoor Parwana Told ANI over phone: "If India is really serious then it should react more strongly and it should not just resort to lip service or statements."

Parwana further said "India should try and halt the Chinese projects in our region.

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesman said in a statement that China should cease all its activities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The MEA spokesperson was reacting to Xinuha report which quoted Chinese President as stating that China will continue to engage in projects with Pakistan inside Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

The MEA in a strongly worded statement further said: "India believes that Pakistan has been in illegal occupation of parts of the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir since 1947. The Chinese side is fully aware of India's position and our concerns about Chinese activities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir".

The MEA's response is seen as a quid pro quo as it came a day after China expressed disappointment over Indian Prime Minister visit to Arunachal Pradesh ahead of Tuesday's elections.

Taking objection to Chinese projects in Gilgit Baltistan, the chief of the Gilgit Baltistan National Alliance Wajahat Hassan Khan told ANI over phone: "China has already occupied a part of Gilgit Baltistan , a little part of Hunza is under its control and Aksai Chin is also occupied."

Since Gilgit Baltistan is a disputed area, China has no business to build projects here, Khan added.

The nationalist leaders further told ANI that there is a perception in the region that India is party to the dispute and it has every right to object to China building projects there.

India is objecting to various Chinese funded projects in PoK namely Neelum Jhelum project, Diamer Bhasha Dam , Extension of Karakoram Highway, Sost Dry Port and Bunji Dam to name a few. by Naveen Kapoor/Bharat Pandey (ANI)