Gb tribune history & dispute

3/22/2016 GB Tribune: History & Dispute
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History
The Gilgit Baltistan have always been at the crossroads of conquerors, raiders and travelers.
Therefore, its history has been deeply influenced by the various incidences of history. The
GilgitBaltistan have a very rich history which can be understood through periodizations
made by historians. It is said that small chieftains ruled Gilgit and Baltistan, until the
beginning of the 19th century. They had to grapple with trivial issues amongst each other
Taking advantage of their weaknesses and mutual rivalries, the Dogra regime of Kashmir
annexed these territories around the middle of the 19th century even though they found the
control of the area difficult. Baltistan was administered directly by the Kashmir Government
as a part of District Laddakh with Headquarters at Leh. The British Indian Government got
attraction in the region following the political developments in Russian and Chinese
Turkistan during the late 19th century.
The history of Gilgit Baltistan can be divided into the following periods:
PreHistory: The earliest inhabitants of the GilgitBaltistan can be traced back to 5th
millennium BC They were known as Rock Art People as they started the tradition of rock
carving which was continued by their successors. They were hunters and lived in rocks. There
is a general perception that they had religion having faith in mountains.
Megalith Builders: These people came from Chitral and Swat and had the tradition of
building large megaliths. They used to have a ceremonial carved stone in the middle which
was worshiped. They used metals like copper, bronze, iron, gold and silver. They developed
irrigated fields and also depended on livestock like goat, sheep and other cattle. They lived in
mud houses as temporary settlement.
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Dardic People:According to some historians, the Dardics lived in the present Gilgit
Baltistan during the Achaemenian Empire (4th century B.C). Their economic activities
included mining and trading gold. This led to the establishment of a trade route with Central
Asia and China.
Scytho Parthians: Various rock inscriptions around Chilas suggest that the Scythians
from Central Asia had established their rule in this area around the first century BC The rule
of Scythians resulted in the introduction of Kharoshti script and Taxila style stupas and
establishment of close trade relations with Taxila. The Scythian rule lasted only two
generations between 1 B.C and 1 A.D. This was followed by the Gondophares branch of
Parthians. The influence of the Parthians on local culture is evident from the rock carvings of
this era which depict some new themes other than those of the earliest inhabitants.
The Kushans: The Khushans moved to Northern Areas between 1 B.C and 1 A.D who had
already established their rule in Central Asia and China. They used gold for trade purposes
and a route passed through Northern Area which was perhaps the Silk Route on which the
current Karakoram Highway has been constructed.
The Post Kushans: After the Khushans, the Sassanis from Persia controlled the area in
the beginning of 3rd century AD. During that period, Budhism continued to flourish and this
area remained a famous crossing point for travel to and from India, China and Central Asia.
The Huns: These were tribes from Central Asia who were warriors. They ruled through
several Shina and Brushaski kings called 'Rajas'. By that time, Budhism was still on its way of
spreading.
Medieval to Modern Time
With the decline of Huns, the Rajas became independent. From 612 to 750 AD, the areas
were ruled by Patoal Shahi Dynasty who were Budhists and had close ties with Chinese
empire. Between 7th Century and early 19th century, parts of the GilgitBaltistan were ruled
by succession of various dynasties including: Tarkhans of Gilgit, the Maghlots of Nagar, the
Ayasho of Hunza, the Burshai of Punyal, the Maqpoons of Skardu, the Anchans of Shigar and
the Yabgos of Khaplu. In the beginning of 8th century AD the Tarkhan rulers embraced
Islam. In the medieval times, GilgitBaltistan remained outside Mughal control although
Akber conquered Kashmir and parts of Baltistan while Gilgit retained its independent status
until the GilgitBaltistan came under the control of Dogra rulers of Kashmir in the middle of
18th century. By the end of 19th century, the British Government created the Gilgit agency
and appointed a political agent, under a lease agreement with Maharaja Harising of Kashmir.
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In 1947, the people of Gilgit Baltistan fought against the Maharaja and got independence.

Before partition of the subContinent, the state of Jammu and Kashmir with a total area of
84471 square miles, was geographically divided into following three big regions:
1. Jammu Province (12,378 sq. miles)
2. Kashmir Province (8,539 sq.)
3. Frontier Province of Ladakh and Gilgit (63,554 sq)
In 1947, a part of the state gained independence and was called Azad Jammu and Kashmir,
which has an area of 5,134 square miles. While 29,814 square miles chunk of the Frontier
Province of Ladakh and Gilgit after winning freedom came under the administrative control
of Pakistan through an agreement. This is the area now called Northern Areas. The rest of
the Frontier province i.e. 3,3740 sq. miles area of Ladakh is under Indian occupation.
Constitutional Position
Historically these areas belong to Dogra State of Jammu and Kashmir. On March 29, 1935,
the British government took possession of Gilgit Agency from the state government, through
a lease agreement for 60 years. The British feared of the Soviet expansionist moves, and
therefore wanted to have direct control in the region. During this period the state flag
remained hoisted over residency along with the Union Jack. However by August 1, 1947, the
areas were returned to the state government , because the British had decided partitioning
of the Indian subcontinent.
In the state elections held in 1934, 1937 and 1941, five representatives of these areas were
taken in the Jammu & Kashmir assembly. Even in the last state assembly, which terminated
in 1947, the areas were represented.
Through a jointly formed armed struggle of the local people, the Gilgit Scouts and the
Muslim officers of the Maharaja’s army, the area was liberated on November 1, 1947 and an
interim government constituted under Raja Shah Rais Khan of Gilgit. The government of
Pakistan was invited through a telegram to take control of the areas. Responding to this
request Sardar Muhammad Alam (A tehsildar in the NWFP government at that time) was
appointed and sent to Gilgit on 16th November, as government of Pakistan’s political agent.
In April 1949 because of several administrative constraints an agreement was reached
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between the government of Pakistan and government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ & K).
Accordingly the administrative control of Gilgit and Baltistan was temporarily transferred to
the former. Vide subclause 8 of section3 of this Agreement, the affairs of Gilgit and
Baltistan were brought under the control of Political Agent appointed by the government of
Pakistan.
In the same year (1949), the United Nations stopped the war in Kashmir and established the
Ceasefire Line. Through the Simla Agreement (1972), the same CFL was converted and
renamed Line of Control (LoC) with some adjustments. That ceasefire (control) Line was
also established in the Northern Areas. It was through that decision that the U.N. observers
were posted on the control line and are still there between the Occupied Ladakh and
Northern Areas.
Map of the state of Jammu and Kashmir published by the Pakistan’s Ministry of Kashmir
Affairs in February 1954 shows Gilgit and Baltistan both in terms of area and population, as
part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir . Also the maps published by Survey of Pakistan
continued to show the Northern Areas as part of AJ & K as late as up to 1987.
The geographic details and explanation of the areas under Pakistan, as given in the
constitutions of 1956, 1962 and 1973, do not cover Northern Areas as part of Pakistan. When
Martial Law was imposed in 1958, it was not extended to Northern Areas, because according
to the principle stand of Pakistan, these areas (still) did not belong to Pakistan [Their fate
was yet to be decided].
Through the SinoPak border Agreement of March 2, 1963, certain areas were mutually
transferred by adjustment. The agreement contained a clause (article 6) that after the
Kashmir dispute was resolved, the government in power in Northern Areas and the Peoples
Republic of China will renegotiate the agreement. The agreement is called Sinkiang
Kashmir Border Agreement.
India lodged protest against the SinoPak Agreement. Through its letter dated 16th March
1963, addressed to the President of the U.N. Security Council, India took the stand that the
agreement was a violation of the resolutions of the Security Council and the U.N.
Commission for IndiaPakistan. Pakistan’s position was that Northern Areas were integrated
part of the disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir, and their fate is yet to be decided along
with the rest of the State, through a plebiscite as provided in the U.N. resolutions. Relevant
text of the then Foreign Mister of Pakistan, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto explaining the Pakistan’s
position is reproduced as follows:
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My Government is bound by its duty to declare the Security Council that, pending
determination of the future of Kashmir, through the will of the people impartially
ascertained, no position taken or adjustments made by either of the parties to the present
controversy between India and China or any similar controversy in the future shall be valid
or affect the status of the territory of Jammu and Kashmir or the imperatives or
demilitarization and self determination of the state of Jammu and Kashmir laid down in the
resolution of 21 April 1948, 30 March 1951, 24 January 1957, and in resolutions of the
United Nations Commissions for India and Pakistan, dated 13 August 1948, and 5 January
1949, which have been jointly accepted by both India and Pakistan and by which both
governments, according to their repeated declarations, stand engaged.
“The Boundary Agreement (between Pakistan and China) does not affect the status of the
territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It does not affect the imperatives of demilitarization of the
state. It does not derogate one jot or title from the right of selfdetermination of the people.
When in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the “All Jammu and Kashmir Conference”
recommended through a resolution (27 October, 1950), that the future shape and
annexation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir be decided through the Constituent
Assembly, the Security Council took the decision in its Resolution of 30 March, 1951
(accepted both by Pakistan and India) that such an assembly had no authority to decide the
future of the state.
During the hearing of the Indian plane (Ganga) hijacking case started in 1971 and ended on 17
May, 1973, the Attorney General of Pakistan admitted before the Supreme Court of Pakistan
that: “No given part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir can decide on its own, to join either
Pakistan or India”.
While establishing the constitutional future of the Northern Areas, the full bench of the Azad
Kashmir High Court (verdict on Gilgit and Baltistan (N.A.) March 18, 1993) held in a petition
filed by Mohammad Miskeen and Haji Bashir Khan of Gilgit and Shaikh Abdul Aziz Advocate
of Muzaffarabad:
Northern Areas (Gilgit and Baltistan) are part of Azad Kashmir, historically and
constitutionally;
The Azad Kashmir government should establish administrative and legal institutions in these
areas.
Under the Provisional Constitutional Act, 1974, the (A.K.) High Court has the right to hear
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all petitions concerning Azad Kashmir;
And (the Court) also has right to hear cases in all matters pertaining to Northern Areas.
The government of AJ&K appealed against the decision of the High Court in the AJ&K
Supreme Court, which announced its decision on 14 September, 1994, stating: “No doubt,
that Northern Areas are part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir – but not of Azad Kashmir.
Therefore, the government need not take administrative control of these areas.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered the government vide its decision of May 28, 1999,
that Northern Areas were constitutional part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The
government of Pakistan should ensure that basic human rights and other political and
administrative institutions are provided in the areas within six months. However, the action
should not adversely affect Pakistan’s stand concerning the Kashmir dispute.
Sectarian Bais
According to Pakistan's constitution, Gilgit Baltistan is not a fully integral part of Pakistan,
and its inhabitants have never had any representation in Pakistan's parliament. Like Gilgit
Baltistan, AJK, the other part of the former princely state under Pakistan’s control, is
considered disputed territory. Yet, Islamabad has granted AJK nominal autonomy, including
its own constitution. In stark contrast, it administers Gilgit Baltistan under the so called Self
Governance Order 2009, an administrative instrument used to strengthen its hold over the
region while denying its residents basic political and civil rights. Many locals believe
sectarian bias explains the widely different political arrangements in GB and AJK: while AJK
and Pakistan have an overwhelming Sunni majority, the Northern Areas are the only Shia
majority region under Pakistani control.
In 1999, the Pakistan Supreme Court issued a landmark verdict, which directed Islamabad to
extend fundamental freedoms to Gilgit Baltistan, allowing its people to be governed by their
elected representatives within six months. In violation of this, the region is still ruled by
Islamabad through the GB Council headed by prime minister of Pakistan. The Gilgit Balistan
Legislative assembly (GBLA), the region’s elected legislature, is powerless, and civil and
military bureaucrats run affairs. By depriving elected institutions of any authority,
Islamabad has created a moral and legal vacuum, which runs the risk of marginalizing
moderate political forces.
The Indian Stand

The Indian Constitution provides that the Northern Areas [of Pakistan] and Azad Kashmir
are part of the Indian Union. That is why the Indian Occupied Kashmir Assembly has 25 seats
reserved for Azad Kashmir, Gilgit and Baltistan, on the basis of 194151 census.
The greater part of Northern Areas – adjacent to Ladakh and Kargil – is administered by
India as part of its occupied Kashmir. Members for the Indian Occupied Kashmir assembly
are also elected from Ladakh and Kargil. Even ministers are taken from there and the
administrative control rests with the government of Occupied Kashmir. Seeing that Ladakh
and Kargil are farther away from Srinagar as compared to the distance between Azad
Kashmir and Northern Areas, the situation on Pakistan’s side assumes special importance.
That India which has even declared the state of Jammu and Kashmir as its integral part
treats Ladakh and Kargil as part of the state.
Post Independence Progress
No sooner did Sardar Muhammad Alam took over as Political Agent of Pakistan in
November 1947, the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) were enforced over whole of
Northern Areas. This was the English law for the tribal areas through which a civil servant
exercised all judicial and administrative powers. (It is worth noting that prior to this FCR,
the Maharaja of Kashmir in his period had provided an independent judicial system for the
areas, and the people could appeal before the Kashmir High Court). Furthermore, a feature
of the new system was that the Political Agent was placed under the Political Resident of the
NWFP.
In 1950, the federal Government brought the affairs of the Northern Areas under the
administrative control of Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas, which remains as
such since then. The ministry introduced the post of Political Resident instead of Political
Agent. In 1952, a Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs was appointed Resident
for the Northern Areas . However, no change occurred in essence with the new system,
because the administrative and judicial authorities remained centralized, as in the past, in
the position of the Resident and no system was designed for political representation. People
of the area were not very happy with this state of affairs. Some of the significant responses
and developments are as follows:
Colonel Mirza Hasan Khan, the hero of the freedom war, established a party – the Gilgit
League – in 1957. This was the first political organization set up at the local level. After the
1958 Martial Law, the organization got banned, and Mirza Hasan joined the Azad Kashmir
civil service.

During the sixties an organization was established named “Gilgit and Baltistan Jamhoori
Mahaz” (Democratic Front). The Mahaz employed means like print media, literature and
demonstrations to present with full force the case of political and constitutional rights of the
people. It was due to the struggle of this organization that the AJ&K assembly adopted the
resolution seeking Northern Areas joining of AJ&K. This organization also got inactive after
1973.
In 1973, “Gilgit and Baltistan Students Federation” was organized in Karachi by the students
of the area studying in Karachi. Although nothing happened in substance because of this
movement, yet the organization played an important role in introducing the problems of the
rights of Northern Areas’ people in a Metropolitan like Karachi. After 1976, however the
Federation also became inactive and ceased all activities.
The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs introduced some reforms in 1967. Inter alia, a Resident was
appointed instead of Political Resident with his headquarter in Gilgit. The tasks of
administration, High Court and Revenue Commissioner were all pooled in the body of the
Resident.
Under the Resident, there used to be two Political Agents, one each for Gilgit and Baltistan
agencies. Each of the Political Agents exercised the following powers simultaneously in his
jurisdiction:
District and Session Judge;
District Magistrate;
Revenue Collector;
Commissioner for FCR;
Inspector General, Police;
Chairman District Council
Controlling Officer of Cooperative Society
The above list is well indicative of the powers and authority of the Resident and Political
Agent.

Elections in Northern Areas conducted for the first time in 1970. These were for the NA
Advisory Council consisting of 16 members. It was the first representative body of the
Northern Areas. While the Council had the power to sanction development schemes it was
almost helpless in all other matters. During its early days, Commissioner N.A. (Resident)
used to chair the Council. Later, a change was brought about, and the Federal Minister for
Kashmir Affairs became the chairman.
An incident occurred during this period brought a number of changes in the administrative
setup in NAs. The daughter of an officer of the Gilgit Scouts (the law and order agency
under the local administration) could not pass a school examination. Her mother visited the
school and had bitter exchanges with the Head mistress. The Head mistress complained to
the Deputy Commissioner, who suspended her service. A delegation of TanzeemeMillat
went to see the Resident Commissioner to get redressed the injustice done to the Head
mistress. The Commissioner insulted the delegation. To react, the organization took to the
streets with protest rallies and meetings. In response, the administration resorted to firing
killing a few demonstrators. This incident turned into a political movement demanding basic
rights for the Northern Areas. Because of mishandling by the administration, the element of
violence entered into an otherwise peaceful protest movement. The administration got hold
of and imprisoned fifteen top leaders of the “Tanzeem”. But people broke the jail and set
their leaders free.
During 1972 the then government of Mr. Z. A. Bhutto announced a general amnesty with
reference to the above incident. In a package reform it replaced FCR. and instituted a new
district Diamir with immediate effect. The President of Pakistan, through his proclamation
of August 1972, brought about fundamental structural reforms:
The system of Feudal Lords, Rajas, Mir of Nagar and Agency was abolished;
Gilgit and Baltistan agencies were given the status of districts;
“Resident” and “Political Agent” were renamed Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner,
respectively.
With general amnesty and the process of administrative reforms, “TanzeemeMillat” got
merged in the Pakistan People’s Party.
In September 1974, Prime Minister Bhutto visited Northern Areas. On the occasion, he
declared Ganchi and Ghazar as two new districts and abolished the state of Hunza.

When on July 5, 1977 General Zia ul Haq imposed Martial Law in Pakistan, the Northern
Areas were also declared “Martial Law ZoneE” (A to D being the four Provinces). From the
administrative viewpoint, this was the first important decision that gave rise to confusion
about the constitutional position of the Northern Areas. To this, the contradictory
statements made by President Zia about the areas’ future and constitutional position added
further confusion. In April 1982, the newspapers reported the President stating: that Gilgit,
Skardu and Hunza were not “disputed” areas, but part of Pakistan34. Speaking to
correspondents in Quetta on May 9, 1982, he said: “Kashmir has been a disputed issue, but
so far as the Northern Areas are concerned, we do not accept them disputed. The President
also nominated three individuals of the area, for the MajliseShura, as observers.
Inaugurating the second session of the Shura, President Zia expressed his happiness that
representatives from Northern Areas were there. He said “I am not talking of Kashmir; I am
talking about the Northern Areas, which make part of Pakistan.”
With the said remarks of the President, the media naturally took up the issue. Various
quarters objected the new stand. It was the period when four of the major political parties
(Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, Azad Kashmir People’s Party, Jammu and
Kashmir MahazeRaiy Shumari, and Azad Muslim Conference) had joined in a movement
for the restoration of democracy. Leaders of all the four parties sent a jointly signed letter to
President Zia on May 4, 1982. The letter explained in sufficient detail the position of the
areas: that they belonged to the state, and like the rest of the state constituents, their future
position was yet to be decided. That the U.N. Documents provided ample proof and that it
has been the principle stand of all past governments in Pakistan. The President’s statements
were depriving around 6 to 7 hundred thousands inhabitants of the area of their right to vote
in the plebiscite, which will be a great loss to Kashmir and to Pakistan.
Although the President did not reply the letter, but sometimes afterwards conceded in an
interview with M.J. Akbar (Editor Weekly Sunday, India), that Gilgit and Baltistan were not
part of Pakistan and were as much disputed as the rest of the Kashmir. With this the press
discussion ended for the time being. However, while meeting a delegation of the Northern
Areas on 15 April, 1985, President Ziaul Haq again indicated, that: Northern Areas will be
given representation before the next meeting of the National Assembly, and that elections
for the National Assembly seats will be held in the three Northern Areas districts including
Skardu and Gilgit. Also, that the Justice Ministry has been directed and it was considering to
remove obstacles in the way of Northern Area’s representation in the National Assembly.
After the case review, Northern Areas will be given representation in the National Assembly
and the Senate through a notification. However, there was neither any notification made,
nor the pronounced representation could be given in the Assembly and the Senate.

A high power Committee was constituted in 198485 to settle the future of the Northern
Areas. Members of the Committee included the Secretaries of Divisions/ Ministries of
Establishment, Finance, Planning, Law, Interior, Education, and Kashmir Affairs and
Northern Areas. The Committee soon submitted its report. But it was neither implemented,
nor made public.
In the 198890 PPP government appointed Mr. Qurban Ali (chairman PPP, Northern Areas)
as Advisor to the Prime Minister for Northern Areas.
Later again, during the second PPP regime Federal Cabinet approved a “reform package” for
the Northern Areas, on April 25, 1994. The package included following actions:
The membership of the Northern Areas Council was enhanced from 18 to 26. It was decided
that members will be elected on the basis of adult franchise ;
To administer Northern Areas, the Federal Minister of Kashmir Affairs, will be the Chief
Executive of the Council; To assist C.E; the Council will elect a Deputy Chief Executive;
Three to five members of the Council will be taken as Advisors to C.E. They will enjoy the
status of provincial ministers. Their appointment will, however, depend on the C.E’s
discretion ;
The post of Judicial Commissioner will be abolished, and a 3member Chief Court will be
constituted under the chairmanship of a retired Judge. Any senior judicial officer belonging
to federation or the provincial High Court will be deputed as member of the Chief Court,
whereas a District Session Judge from the Northern Areas will also be its member. The
Court was however, not authorized to hear writ petitions.
Through the “package”, Northern Areas were turned into de facto province. For the first
time, the federal government appointed in the area, a Chief Secretary and four Secretaries.
Under the package, partybased elections were held for the first time in 1994. A member of
Pakistan People’s Party got elected as Deputy Chief Executive. PPP and TahrikiJafaria also
sent two Advisors each, while Muslim League (Junejo group) got one seat of Advisor. These
Advisors were assigned public departments. Rules of Business were also framed so that
official matters could be regulated. Inspite of all this, all the five Advisors including the
Deputy CE, generally complained that they had no powers. Authority instead was still
exercised by the bureaucracy.

Interesting to note about the “package” was the fact that a nonrepresentative person (C.E.)
was made head of the popularly elected Deputy Chief Executive. That adversely affected the
credibility of the elected body, and gave the impression that it was only a showpiece.
Financial and administrative powers remained centred in the federal Finance and
Establishment Divisions, which the Chief Executive exercised as his exclusive prerogative.
Thus the lack of power of the Deputy Chief Executive and the Advisors became evident.
Decision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan (1999)
As explained earlier the constitutional position of the Northern Areas is clear that
historically they are part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. In spite of that there is
persistent confusion in the administrative and judicial structure. That has given rise to
various problems and the people of the area, as well as in Pakistan, feel uneasy about it.
Attempts made through political struggle and dialogue have yielded nothing. That was the
background of the petition brought before the Supreme Court of Pakistan by Habib Wahab
alKhairi (founder of AlJihad Trust, Rawalpindi), making Secretary, Ministry of Kashmir
Affairs and N.A. defendant to the lawsuit. It was pleaded that the Court restores the basic
human rights of the people of the area. In its 42pages judgment of 28 May, 1999, the
Supreme Court directed the Government of Pakistan that:
“...since the geographical location of the Northern Areas is very sensitive because it is
bordering India, China, Tibet and USSR, and as the above areas in the past have also been
treated differently, this Court cannot decide what type of Government should be provided to
ensure the compliance with the above mandate of the Constitution. Nor we can direct that
the people of Northern Areas should be given representation in the Parliament as, at this
stage it may not be in the larger interest of the country because of the fact that a plebiscite
under the auspices of the United Nations is to be held. The above questions are to be
decided by the Parliament and the Executive. This Court at the most can direct that the
proper administrative and legislative steps should be taken to ensure that the people of
Northern Areas enjoy their above rights under the Constitution.”
“...As regards the right to access to justice through an independent judiciary, it may be
observed that the Northern Areas has a Chief Court, which can be equated with a High Court
provided it is manned by the persons or the statute who are fit to be elevated as Judges to
any High Court in Pakistan. Its jurisdiction is to be enlarged as to include jurisdiction to
entertain Constitutional Petitions inter alia to enforce the Fundamental Rights enshrined in
the Constitution...”

“...To initiate appropriate administrative/legislative measures within a period of six months
from today to make necessary amendments in the Constitution/
relevantstatute/statues/order/orders/rules/notification/notifications, to ensure that the
people of Northern Areas enjoy their above fundamental rights, namely, to be governed
through their chosen representatives and to have access to justice through an independent
judiciary inter alia for enforcement of their Fundamental Rights guaranteed under the
Constitution.
The Government’s Initiatives
In the light of the Supreme Court’s decision, the government prepared a package for the
Northern Areas. General (R) Abdul Majeed Malik, the then Minister for Kashmir Affairs and
Northern Areas made a detailed visit of the area and met important personalities. On
October 2, 1999, he announced that government was soon bringing a constitutional reforms
package, through which the Northern Areas Council will be turned into Northern Areas
Legislative Council.
In order to implement the package through the elected representatives the federal
government also announced the holding of elections for the Council and local bodies. The
government’s proposed actions were still being discussed, when the Army took over on
October 12, 1999. The new government however stood by the decision of elections as
scheduled. Elections were held under the supervision of the military. Amendment in the
“Legal Frame Work Order 1994” was however, made after about 9 months (7 July, 2000).
Main features of the amendment are:
Northern Area Council was renamed “Northern Area Legislative Council”, and was
authorized legislation in 40 items;
Council’s membership was raised to 29. Five seats were reserved for women – one elected
indirectly, from each district;
“Chief Executive” will not be from amongst the Council members;
Speaker, elected by the majority of the Council members, will preside over council’s
meetings;
Council members will no more be empowered to approve development schemes;
Deputy Chief Executive will be authorized to transfer officers of grade 18, but not the Deputy

Commissioner or the Superintendent of Police. For that he will have to get prior approval of
the Chief Secretary. The Chief Secretary will be authorized to transfer officers upto grade 17.
It was expected that the “package” would lead to the setting up of local government, and
powers will be devolved accordingly. However it became clear that the bureaucracy is
powerful as usual in the new selfcontradicting package. It is obvious that unless the Deputy
Chief Executive is not enabled to exercise full financial and administrative powers, he will
not be able to show any meaningful performance in public service. The package did provide
for apparent protocol for the high authorities, but the real transfer of power and decision
making still does not rest with the elected representatives. That is the highly negative aspect
of the package.
Possible Scenarios
What then should be done? Various suggestions made so far by different schools and
quarters for the future status of NA are presented here summarily, as follows:
Northern Areas be merged with Azad Kashmir to make “One unit”, and people of the area be
given due representations in the Azad Kashmir Assembly and Kashmir Council; The proposal
also seeks to expand the AJ&K High court and Supreme court Jurisdiction to NA. Moreover
it also suggests to amend AJ&K constitution (1974) making it mandatory to have either PM
or President from the NA and necessary legislation to allow rather encourage AJ&K political
parties to work in NA.
The N. Areas be made fifth province of Pakistan;
Northern Areas be made selfgoverning separate unit, like Azad Kashmir;
The Areas be directly administered by the federal government, as done in case of FATA.
Before any meaningful discussion on the above suggestions, we need to know what various
political parties, religious groups, both from AK and NAs. the Azad Kashmir government and
the federal Ministry of Kashmir had to say about the future of the area. This would help in
establishing correct perspective.
Religious and Political Parties and their Position
As said earlier, facing political vacuum, masses in the Northern Areas could not get generally
organized on political lines. This however, made easier their division and organization on

sectarian basis. Over the past 55 years, the SunniShia division has become firmly
established. Parties speaking for a sect have assumed high importance. Therefore, the
position of these sects and groups has become equally important about the future status of
the area. We have briefly reviewed the viewpoint of major groups in the following:
Sectarian Groups
Shia School of Thought: This school has two subgroups: Anjuman AhleTashia was
established before the Partition (1947) and is registered under Societies Act. Its major
activity is establishment and running of madaris and masajid. Since 1980 it also started
working for securing Shia political rights. It is quite effective in its community.
TahrikeJa’fria Pakistan: Tahrik is a sister organization of the said Anjuman AhleTashia; it
may rather be called Anjuman’s political front. In the 1994 setup, two Advisors were taken
from Tahrik. The Deputy Chief Executive elected on July 28, 2000, Fida Mohammad
Nashad also belong to the TahrikeJa’fria.
Both the Shia organizations demand to make Northern Areas, the fifth province of Pakistan.
They claim that historically the areas never belonged to Kashmir, nor they have anything
common in culture. They also argue that it was the people of the Northern Areas who
themselves overthrew Dogra Raj and got the areas annexed with Pakistan. Pakistan accepted
the annexation, but conditions at that time warranted not to announce it; mainly because the
Foreign Office considered that as and when plebiscite is held people of the area will cast their
vote in favour of Pakistan.
The two organizations have also expressed apprehension many a time that if made part of
Kashmir, Northern Areas will remain backward and disadvantaged, because being less
developed they would never be in a position to compete with more developed Kashmiris.
Sunni School of Thought: TanzeemeAhleSunnah wal Jamaat: Established as a social
welfare organization in 1980 represents the Sunni sect. Its original purpose was the
establishment and administration of Masajid and Madaris. However, when sectarian clashes
started in 1980, Tanzeem became the political and religious party of the Sunnis, and was
practically accepted in that position as representative of Sunnis.
The organization supports the option that together with Azad Kashmir, the Northern Areas
should form one unit. Tanzeem views that by bringing the two areas together, Sunnis will
command majority, and otherwise they will remain minority in the Northern Areas.

AhleSunnah also express the fear, that the freedom movement in the occupied Kashmir is
passing through a critical phase. Separate identity or administrative structure for the
Northern Areas will adversely affect the movement therefore, any such decision i.e. making
NAs a separate unit, should be avoided.
TanzeemeAhleSunnah considers that if Northern Areas are merged with Azad Kashmir,
the people of the area will have the opportunity of direct participation in the Kashmir
struggle, which is their religious obligation. Once freedom won, Azad Kashmir and Northern
Areas will ultimately become part of Pakistan. In this background, when the Azad Kashmir
High Court gave its verdict that Azad Kashmir government should take over “administrative”
control of the Northern Areas, the decision was widely welcomed by the AhleSunnah.
A section of AhleSunnah also argues that Northern Areas have very small population
(about a million) and therefore making the area a province is not practical.
Political Parties’ stand
Jama’ateIslami: Jama’at does not appeal on the sectarian basis. Nevertheless, being an
Islamic Movement, a good number of religiousminded people are attached to it. Established
initially in AJ & K the Jama’at is the only party active under one organization both in Azad
Kashmir and Northern Areas.
Jama’ateIslami also favours one unit of AK and NA. Jama’at believes that Kashmir will
soon be free and if therefore, the two areas are merged in one unit it will strengthen the
freedom movement, will make things more difficult for India and thus will bring the freedom
target closer. As regards to the grassroots problems Jama’at is of the view that simple
constitutional and administrative reforms will not suffice to solve the problems of the area.
There is infact, need to bring change at the leadership level in the country at large, and to set
a government and a society based on justice (adl).
Pakistan Peoples Party: Pakistan Peoples Party is a considerable force in the Northern Areas
politics. It has generally enjoyed good representation in the Northern Area Council. Its
principle stand is that government can restore rights of the people without damaging the
cause of Kashmir. And, that government should act according to the spirit of the Supreme
Court decision.
Pakistan Muslim League: Pakistan Muslim League has also been prominent in the electoral
politics of Northern Areas. The party says;

Northern Areas be given a government on the pattern of Azad Kashmir; and
“Chief Executive” should be a local person and elected by the representative members of the
Council.
Regional and Nationalist Groups
Nationalist parties have negligible role in the Northern Areas politics. They have neither
been successful in playing any significant role in solving the public problems, nor had
representation of any size in the N.A. Legislative (or Advisory) Council. However, the Indian
media is quite active in projecting and publicizing their views. This special background makes
it necessary to understand what is their position and stance on the issue.
Pakistan People's Party: The party is headed by Syed Mehdi Shah, Chief Minister Gilgit
Baltistan.
Muslim League (N): PML(N) in Gilgit Baltistan is headed by Hafiz Hafiz urRehman, who
took over the position after assassination of his brother. He contested the last GBLA
elections but lost his seat.
Muslim League ( Q): Mirza Hussain heads the party in Gilgit Baltistan.
Mutahidda Qaumi Party: The party is headed by Major (R) Hussain Shah
Balawaristan National Front: The Front demand elections in Gilgit Baltistan under the
supervision of United Nations. Claiming that both India and Pakistan do not want to let
loose their respective hold over Kashmir and GB, the BNF suggests a “practical” solution, as
they call it, for the world community. Accordingly, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Srinagar,
Jammu, and Ladakh are to be declared five separate and independent states and then
brought into a “federation”. Plebiscite then be carried under the auspices of the United
Nations in all these states to ascertain whether they would; (i) maintain the federation; (ii)
join Pakistan; or (iii) join India. The majority vote of each state is to decide its fate.
BNF is divided in two factions BNF (Hamid) and BNF (Naji). Nawaz Khan Naji heads the
moderate fation of BN while Abdul Hamid Khan heads the radical one.
Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front: The organization is one of those who exist in
all parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Its president in the Northern Areas, Ziaul Haq says:
“Jammu and Kashmir is an indivisible entity. The U.N. Security Councils’ permanent
members U.S., U.K, China, France and Russia should form a Kashmir Committee that

should work under the supervision of UN Secretary General. The Committee should declare
Kashmir free and independent for 15 years. Plebiscite be held after that period, and any
majority decision of the people will be acceptable to us.
Other Important Organizations
Northern Areas Bar Council: The NAs Bar Council although not a political party but has
an important role in the struggle for basic rights of the people and their constitutional
position in NAs. A very important development took place when at the Bar level, lawyers
belonging to different parties adopted a joint stand on the issue. Bar’s stand as stated by its
President Sher Wali Advocate is as follows:
People of the Northern Areas are unanimous that their basic human rights be restored. The
resolution of the Northern Areas High Court Bar Association is fully supported by all the
people of Northern Areas. The first priority is that Northern Areas be declared fifth
province of the country. Second option may be establishment of a government like AJ & K. If
the two proposals are considered impractical, then Azad Kashmir and Gilgit and Baltistan are
declared one unit.
No one can deny our commitment, loyalty and sacrifices for Kashmir. It is not possible to
overlook the participation of the people of Northern Areas in the plebiscite. Yet, until the
plebiscite is held, the Northern Areas should necessarily have an adhoc political and
democratic structure.
All Parties Mutahidda Council: The Mutahidda Council of 12 political and religious
parties says:
Northern Areas be given a provisional constitution like the Azad Kashmir, in the light of the
decision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan till the final solution of the Kashmir dispute.
Under that constitution, legislative assembly, executive and judiciary be established...
Moreover Northern Areas be given representation in the Kashmir Council on party basis. Or
else, Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas should have common Senate and there should be
one President for both the areas.
As a matter of fact the Azad Kashmir people and their leadership have deep attachment with
the Gilgit Baltistan. They oppose declaring the area a province, because that paves the way to
division of Kashmir. The question is however pertinent that why did then Azad Kashmir
government entered into agreement with government of Pakistan for the latter to take
administrative control of the area? The prominent Kashmiri journalist (late) Mir Abdul Aziz

makes the following explanation:
Leadership in Azad Kashmir felt that plebiscite was a matter of few months, so there was no
harm handing over Gilgit Baltistan.
It was in this context that the Azad Kashmir Assembly passed the resolution that says:
In the opinion of this House, it was an historical reality that Gilgit and Baltistan form part of
the state of Jammu and Kashmir. And at the end of 100 years Dogra subjugation and
establishment of Azad Jammu and Kashmir government, the area was only temporarily
handed over to Pakistan to run the administrative affairs, ... and that according to the
Security Council resolutions, the future of Jammu and Kashmir, including Gilgit and
Baltistan, was yet to be decided through a free and fair plebiscite... This House demands
from the government of Pakistan, that Gilgit and Baltistan be given representation in the
Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. To provide political and social justice to the
people of the area, the Azad Kashmir High Court’s jurisdiction be extended to Northern
Areas so that the people of the area avail the benefit of freedom and enabled to shoulder
future responsibilities.
The Dilemma
As noted earlier, Pakistan’s official policy seems subject to confusion and uncertainty,
particularly after 1980. The main reason being the strategic importance of the Northern
Areas and hence a section of the government of Pakistan has always wished that the areas be
merged with Pakistan. In particular about Gilgit Agency the Interior and Foreign Ministries
have since November 1947, been thinking on these lines. The Interior Ministry argues that
the Agency has not been under administrative control of Maharaja Kashmir. The British held
and administered these areas like other political agencies of the tribal areas. Hence, with the
British gone, Gilgit Agency gets automatically transferred to Pakistan. And, as the people of
the area have themselves opted to join Pakistan, the legal requirement has also been met.
Another historic fact is that Khan Abdul Qayyum Khan, the first Chief Minister of NWFP
who being a Kashmiri, was himself active in the Kashmir struggle, had proposed in 1947 that
Gilgit Agency be transferred to Governor NWFP, like any tribal area thus overtime, the
Agency would have become part of North West Frontier Province.
The Foreign Office did not agree to the proposal at that time. It felt that be it for only name
sake, but Maharaja Kashmir exercised authority over Gilgit, it should not therefore be
considered independent of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Also, the possibility of

plebiscite under the auspices of United Nations was still there. Then why should the Gilgit
Agency’s “vote bank” be lost?
The above dilemma still persists, and can be seen in the initiatives of various government
organs in their respective spheres. Gilgit Agency is sometimes shown on the survey maps, as
part of Pakistan while on some other occasions it is clubbed with the disputed state of
Jammu and Kashmir.
The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs blocked political parties of Azad Kashmir to go into Gilgit
and Baltistan. Late K.H. Khurshid was not allowed entry into Gilgit. One of the statements by
president and the founder of the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar
Mohammad Ibrahim in this regard is worth noting. He says:
“As and when we tried to go there, we were blocked. Such actions by the Ministry of Kashmir
Affairs were considered to mean that people of the two areas (Kashmir and N.A.) should not
be let to forge close relations.”
As said, the government of Pakistan was very sensitive because of the strategic importance of
the area. Some toplevel policymakers have been privately expressing that there was the
possibility of Kashmir getting independent or some such other arrangement that would also
include Northern Areas. In such a situation, Pakistan will be deprived of these areas of
strategic importance as well. On the other hand, there is the will to liberate whole Kashmir,
for which a movement is already there. Therefore, the government of Pakistan seems to
have no clearcut stand and is facing a situation of what to do. As a result the people of the
Northern Areas suffer a lot.”
Ministry of Kashmir Affairs’ Position
The Ministry/Division of Kashmir Affairs has been enjoying exclusive powers to govern
these areas since 1950. Most of the people representing the political leadership of the
Northern Areas, are of the view that such extraordinary powers are unique in the country
and therefore they blame that constitutional ambiguity about the areas, is being deliberately
maintained. They claim that it is this ambiguity that creates a vacuum of political system and
gives the bureaucrats an opportunity to directly rule the area. They also view that the
general resentment found among the people of Northern Areas is in fact, due to lack of
vision of the ministry’s officials resulting in illconceived policies and mishandling of various
issues by them. As a result the issue of people’s rights remains unsettled.
Another important factor is the, largescale smuggling being done through the adjacent

China border. The local people allege that a number of bureaucrats have their share in the
‘benefits’ arising out of such activities and therefore would never like to leave the present
powers they are enjoying67.
Summary and Recommendations
Historically Northern Areas belong to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, yet a considerable
section of the population of the area prefers to have separate administrative system, rather
than joining Azad Kashmir. Three factors can be noted:
1. Despite being historically part of the same state there has been lack of direct contact
between the people of AJ&K and the Northern Areas. As a result, the two have distinctly
different cultures and speak different languages;
2. Over the past 55 years, whether it is politics, economics or education or any other sphere
of life, the people of the area have been closely linked with Pakistan. Local people fear that
within AJ&K, the Northern Areas will not be enjoying any notable political position. The
center of power and authority will be either Srinagar or Muzaffarabad and not the NA;
3. The local Shia and Ismaili groups oppose integration with AJ&K, because that will
considerably decrease their share in the overall population and they will become
insignificant. With the massive social and welfare activities being done by Aga Khan
Foundation in the Northern Areas these groups see an increased and enhanced role for
themselves in future. That has given the Foundation increasing access and influence.
Despite the abovesaid factors, the reality however is that any move to merge Northern
Areas in Pakistan will mean defacto division of the state of Kashmir. Pakistan will lose all
grounds in its principle stance over the dispute of Kashmir and will not be in a position to
take the issue to UN or at any other international forum. Any attempt to disregard the unity
of the state of Jammu and Kashmir would damage the struggle in Kashmir and would greatly
affect the outcome whenever a plebiscite is held. This is also the reason why the persistent
demand by Buddhists from the occupied Ladakh to let them join the Indian Union has never
been accepted by the Indian government. Similarly, the demands in the three Hindu majority
districts of Jammu (Jammu, Oudhampur, Katho’a) for independent status within the Indian
Union have also been refused by India.
Any action by Pakistan towards annexing NA. will give India a justification to merge these
areas within its Union and Pakistan having itself so conducted, will not be in a position to
even protest against India on doing so. As and when plebiscite is held in Kashmir, Northern

Areas being part of Kashmir or even if the present status quo is maintained would in all
probability mean an additional one million votes for Pakistan. Once merged into Pakistan
people of these areas would become irrelevant and will have no vote at all.
There is thus need to look for a way out ensuring the NA people their constitutional rights
other than annexing the NA with Pakistan or making them part of AJ&K. The way out should
also in no way affect Pakistan’s historic and principle stand on Kashmir nor give India any
chance to divide Kashmir.
The history and politics of the area, Pakistan’s stance concerning the Kashmir dispute, and
finally the decision of the Supreme Court, bring forth the following points:
1. Northern Areas be accorded special status. They should remain part of Jammu and
Kashmir, yet for local administration, there should be elected legislative Council, and
independent judiciary;
2. People of the Northern Areas be given all those fundamental human rights, that are
enjoyed by citizens in any other part of the country or in AJ&K.
Administrative Reforms
Specific reforms are proposed as under:
1. The “Chief Executive” should be popularly elected and should be a local;
2. The authority of the Deputy Chief Executive should be properly established. He should be
directly accountable to the Prime Minister in the federation, and the local level to the NA
Legislative Council;
3. If the federal government seeks to maintain a nonlocal and nonrepresentative Chief
Executive, then his powers should be symbolic like the provincial governors, and all
administrative authority should rest with the Deputy Chief Executive;
4. All matters pertaining to NA should be transferred to the Secretariat in Gilgit. Exception
with regard to strategic affairs is possible and these can be dealt in the federal secretariat;
5. Financial and administrative powers should be handed over to the Northern Area Council;
6. Past “packages” could not be properly implemented due to the selfcentred difference

within the bureaucracy in Islamabad and Gilgit. The losers have been the people of the area.
There is need to create harmony within these ranks, and that no one is allowed to join the
administration team who favours centralization rather than devolution of authority;
7. Local officers should be promoted to take charge of the departments. It will improve
efficiency and bridge the gap between people and the administration. To this end, the
practice of deputation be discouraged.
European Parliamentarians to form "Friends of GilgitBaltistan"
BRUSSELS: A group of Members of the European Parliament, including Jürgen
Creutzmann, have decided to form a group called "Friends of GilgitBaltistan."
There is great concern from these members that the future of GilgitBaltistan is being
determined not by the people of GilgitBaltistan but by the Government of Pakistan under
the Constitution of Pakistan, even though GilgitBaltistan is not mentioned in Pakistan's
Constitution as part of its territory.
It is believed that the future of GilgitBaltistan should be determined by their people. It is
this group’s belief that the people of GilgitBaltistan should be allowed to fashion their
future in a manner that their region does not become a territory for the spread of
fundamentalist and extremist tendencies.
It is with a view to help the people of GilgitBaltistan fashion a bright future for themselves
that this group formed by Members of the European Parliament, shall monitor very
carefully all developments that take place in GilgitBaltistan. It is believed that the ethos of
the people of GilgitBaltistan has far more in common with the ethos of Jammu & Kashmir
than Pakistan. PRNewswire.
Gilgit, Baltistan & Ladakh
By Hassan Khan
In the ancient period of human civilization the northern most part of Jammu and Kashmir
was spread over Kalash Mansarowar from Ladakh side to Swaat in Dardistan side. Nothing
in detail is available in recorded history except references in the history of Kashmir, China,
Mongolia, Kazakistan and Arabs. Much of its past is known only through the mythology of its
people as the written history is of very recent in origin. It is believed that in the early 7th
century of civilization a fierce war took place some where in present Baltistan side between

the forces of China and Tibet lasting for several years. As a result of this prolonged war the
region got divided into sub regions with separate rulers for each region. Historians have also
named this pre disintegrated period as Greater Ladakh but the exact composition and
existence of such a kingdom is found no where in history. During the days of wilderness and
disintegration, people from the neighbouring countries of Tibet, Dardistan, Mongolia etc.
migrated in tribes or groups and settled down in the uninhabited places of Changthang,
Zanskar, Shaam, Baltistan, Purik, Dras etc. Today's population in these regions mainly
consist of mixed origins of Mangols and Dard races with no ethnic divisions having
similarities in language, culture, dress and food habits.
The great religions of the world, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity reached Ladakh through
missionaries, carried out in most peaceful manner. Buddhism reached Tibet from Kashmir
where it became the religion of the rulers and masses and influenced the rulers and masses
in Ladakh. In those days Kashmir was the centre of activities for Buddhist studies and
missionaries. Renowned Buddhist scholars and preachers of great fame like Rinchin
Zangpoh (a Kashmiri pandit by origin) also came to Ladakh on preaching mission. Similarly
Islam also reached Ladakh from Central Asia, where the rulers and masses had embraced the
new religion around 9th century of the medieval period. Kashmir had become the centre of
Islamic preaching through missionaries of renowned scholars and saints like Mir Syed Ali
Hamdani and others. Mir Syed Ali Hamdani also came to Ladakh, on way to Central Asia, on
preaching missions. Success and spread of Buddhism and Islam in these areas was
guaranteed by the early conversion of rulers and sub rulers in Tibet, Central Asia, Gilgit,
Baltistan, Kargil and Leh before learned scholars and humble preachers. In Kashmir also the
early success of Islam is attributed to the conversion of Rinchen Shah (a Ladakhi Prince in
exile) who became the ruler of Kashmir and converted to Islam before the early Islamic saint
and scholar Bulbul Shah at the banks of river Jehlum known as Bulbul Lanker or Baduma
Masjid. Rinchin Shah is considered the first Muslim ruler of Kashmir. This event is also
mentioned in the folk songs of Ladakh. Before the arrival of formal religions the inhabitants
in these areas were worshippers of nature based on ecological and environmental
conservation. Conversion from one religion to another through peaceful means and humble
preaching maintained communal harmony among all communities for centuries till it was
used by individuals and institutions for political and personal interest in recent times.
In the early 19 century the northern part of Jammu an Kashmir was annexed with the state of
Jammu and Kashmir by the Dogra rulers from 1833 to 1846 through military campaigns. At
that time this region was ruled by independent kings and chieftains with no regular army.
During the time of war all the able bodied males were formed into a fighting force with their
own weapons, rations and logistics. On the other hand, the Dogras were well equipped with
latest weapons and organized logistic support under the command of professional generals

like Zorawar Singh. The ill equipped and disorganized local forces fell to the mighty Dogras
one by one and at the end of 1846 the entire northern part from Leh to Gilgit was subdued to
become a part of J&K state. After conquering the whole areas, the Dogra rulers established
administrative units like District (Wazarat) and Tehsils. The region was divided into two
Districts and six Tehsils. Tehsil Gilgit, Honza and Nagar together was made into one District,
named as Wazarat Gilgit, Tehsil Leh, Kargil and Skardu (Baltistan) together was formed into
another District named as Wazarat Ladakh. Each District was headed by a Wazir Wazarat
with absolute power over the executive, revenue and judiciary as well as the army deployed
in his jurisdiction. The Dogras also named this region as Tibet Khurad (Little Tibet) which
gradually became the most important centre of trade and transit route to central Asian
countries as well to western Tibet with strategically importance. It became the source of the
lacerative Shawl business also. The Dogra rulers during their long rule of more than one
hundred years not only succeeded in building a strong and stable state after consolidating
various communities, tribes and regions through military campaigns, administrative skill
and political will but also consolidated the most difficult vast region in the northern areas
from Kailash Mansarovar to Dardistan in the great Hamalayan and Karakuram ranges.
Partition of India in 1947 brought many changes in J&K State also. An armed conflict took
place between India and Pakistan over Kashmir soon after the partition. This conflict was
followed by an agreement of cease fire through a U.N resolution in 1949. Around one third
of the state went under the occupation of Pakistan, which was named as Azad Kashmir but
Gilgit and Baltistan was not included in Azad Kashmir, rather made into another territory
named as Northern Areas. The area came under the direct control of Federal Government of
Pakistan with no rights of representation either in PoK Assembly or in the National
Assembly of Pakistan (Parliament). Government of India, people of the areas and people of
PoK including the leaders from Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir protested against this
move. During the last 58 years this region also witnessed several bloody conflicts between
India and Pakistan in 1948, 1965, 197l and lastly in 1999 when the conflicts known as Kargil
War attracted world attention because of the severity and sensitivity in the background of
both countries possessing Nuclear capability. The highest and costliest battle field in the
world is also located in this region on the glacier of Baltoru and Saltoru known as Siachen.
Huge number of human lives are lost every year on both sides of these glaciers due to hostile
weather conditions. There was also an armed conflict with China in 1962 with the result an
area of 37555 Sq. kilometres in Aksiachin area of Ladakh was forcibly occupied by China. On
the other hand Pakistan ceded an area of 5180 Sq. kilometres to China in the Shamshaal area
of Gilgit, thus the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Jammu and Kashmir was reduced by
43735 sq. kilometres from the northern sides out of its original size of 2,22,230 sq.
kilometres held by the Maharaja at the time of partition.
On the Indian side of the LoC, Leh and Kargil of the northern part continued as part of J&K

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state, called as Ladakh Region with the rights of representation in the J&K Assembly and
Indian Parliament beside two elected Autonomous Hill Development Councils at Leh and
Kargil. A strong feeling is growing on both sides of the LoC that the traditional Kargil Skardu
route should also be opened to connect this region after a gape of 58 years. Government of
India and several political leaders of India and Jammu and Kashmir state demand that Gilgit
and Baltistan, should also be included in the process of dialogue for a peaceful solution of
the Kashmir issue as it was a part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.
(The author is former member of Parliament from Ladakh).
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11/2212/21
Capricorn
12/221/19
Aquarius
1/202/18
Pisces
2/193/20
Daily Horoscopes
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Daily Horoscopes

Confidential American Cables obtained through
wistleblower wikileaks
WikiLeaks
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