CPEC has detrimental effects on Gilgit Baltistan environment: JKIPA

Brussels [Belgium], Sept. 8 (ANI): A conference held under the aegis of Jammu Kashmir International People's Alliance (JKIPA) passed resolutions demanding declaration of Jammu and Kashmir as indispensable political entity, while also pointing out that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has detrimental effects on Gilgit Baltistan environment. The JKIPA in a statement revealed the resolutions that were passed during the meeting held on September 6 in Brussels, Belgium. Declare that state of Jammu and Kashmir is indispensable political entity that comprises the areas of Gilgit Baltistan, Jammu, Ladakh , Kashmir valley and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) including the area which is handed over to the People's Republic of China by Pakistan, the statement said. During the meeting, the alliance endorsed that only institutions of dialogue can pitch an amicable solution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue. Asserting that the CPEC has detrimental effects on Gilgit Baltistan environment, the meeting also highlighted that neighboring countries are colonizing natural resources of Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). "Herald both Pakistan and China that the project of their geo strategic interest is destroying ecosystem and livelihood of vulnerable communities," the statement said. The JKIPA also demanded that a provision should be incorporated in the agreement that future government of the state of Jammu and Kashmir shall have a right to negotiate new terms with the respective governments of Pakistan and China on the CPEC. "Demand that since the China, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is being built through a disputed region, therefore, a provision should be incorporated in the agreement that future government of the state of Jammu and Kashmir shall have a right to negotiate new terms with the respective governments of Pakistan and China," the statement said. The resolution also demanded that fabricated charges of sedition against political leaders of Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir must be withdrawn. "All political prisoners including Baba Jan and his colleagues should release unconditionally," the statement said. The statement also criticized the extension of Protection of Pakistan Ordinance and National Action Plan (NAP) in Pakistani peripheries which they said are in principal contradiction of the United Nations Commission for India Pakistan (UNCIP) resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, it was also decided to give emphasis on the revival of state subject rule in Gilgit Baltistan with clear reiteration that any demographic change in these areas would be rejected. Asking the world community to focus on constitutional restraints and democratic dispensation in Pakistan occupied Kashmir region, the JKIPA said that Islamabad must fulfill its commitment with regard to the Truce Agreement of 1948. (ANI)