New Delhi
31 August 2009
New Delhi said the Northern Areas, which Islamabad renamed as Gilgit-
Baltistan and gave it a province-like status, is an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir
and therefore, of India.
New Delhi viewed Islamabad's decision to promulgate the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment
and Self Governance Order 2009 with concern.
Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani told reporters in Islamabad Saturday
after the Federal Cabinet approved the decision that the Northern Areas has been be
renamed as Gilgit-Baltistan and they would have autonomy and a province-like status.
Gilani also said a 15-member administrative council would see to the matters of Gilgit-
Baltistan and the council will choose the chief minister. The Pakistani minister for
Kashmir Affairs Qamruz Zamn Kaira would be the governor.
A source said New Delhi had not taken a decision yet on date or venue of the meeting
between the foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan. During their meeting in Sharm-El-
Sheikh in Egypt in July, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart
Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani had decided that their foreign secretaries would meet as often
as necessary.
Observing that New Delhi did not see any progress by Islamabad on the issue of
terrorism, the source said that until and unless satisfactory action was taken against
terrorism and there was proof of purposeful action against terrorists, the meaningfulness
of dialogue was questionable.
Referring to the 26/11 attacks, the source said that India had shared with Pakistan
evidence which had been "collected painstakingly" and Islamabad should act on it. "It is
our expectation, hope and desire that Pakistan will study with utmost attention it
rightfully requires and takes forward the process of ensuring that justice is done," the
source said.
India made it clear that Pakistan must take "concerted" action against Lashkar-e-Tayyiba
chief Hafiz Saeed as it has admitted that his outfit was involved in the Mumbai terror
attacks. There was sufficient evidence against Saeed in connection with Mumbai attacks
and it would be "valid" for any court of law, the source said, adding that Saeed had
already been declared a terrorist group by the United Nations Security Council which has
cited links of his outfit with the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.
Responding to a New York Times report which said Pakistan was illegally modifying
Harpoon missiles, which could be used to strike Indian targets, the source said India
was closely monitoring all developments that had a bearing on national security and will
take steps as necessary in response.
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