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India slams Pak attempt to camouflage illegal occupation

<g data-gr-id="23">Official</g> spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry Vikas Swarup also expressed concern at the "continued efforts" by Pakistan to deny the people of the region their political rights and to absorb these territories.

"India's position is well known. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir which includes the regions of Gilgit and Baltistan is an integral part of India. The election in Gilgit and Baltistan on June 8 under the <g data-gr-id="33">so called</g> '<g data-gr-id="34">Gilgit Baltistan</g> Empowerment and <g data-gr-id="35">Self Government</g> Order' is an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its forcible and illegal occupation of the regions.

"We are concerned at the continued efforts by Pakistan to deny the people of the region their political rights, and the efforts being made to absorb these territories. The fact that a Federal Minister of Pakistan is also the 'Governor of <g data-gr-id="29">Gilgit Baltistan</g>' speaks for itself," the Spokesperson said.

He noted that "unfortunately, in recent times the people of the region have also become victims of sectarian conflict, terrorism and extreme economic hardship due to Pakistan's <g data-gr-id="25">occupationary</g> policies." Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitendra Singh accused Pakistan of doing “mischief” in the matter.

“As far as India is concerned, its position with relation to the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir is very clear. The 1994 resolution of the Parliament, which was unanimously passed, clearly states that if at all there is any issue left between India and Pakistan, it is to retrieve the portion of erstwhile J-K which continues to remain in the illegal occupation of Pakistan,” he said.


India, US to sign defence framework pact today
 US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter will on Wednesday sign a fresh 10-year defence framework agreement with India entailing joint development and manufacture of defence equipment and technology that is expected to help take strategic ties to new heights. Carter, who arrived in the country on Tuesday on a three-day visit, began his tour with a trip to strategically important Eastern Naval Command in Vishakapatnam whose theatre of operation includes the critical South China sea region and the Strait of Malacca. He will hold wide-ranging talks with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar tomorrow evening during which India-US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) will be a major area of focus, sources said. 

The US Defence Secretary will also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi besides meeting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. “Carter’s trip to India is part of his focus on the US re-balance to Asia. Specifically, his trip to Vishakapatnam showcased his commitment to maritime security and the need for a regional security architecture that creates transparency and trust among regional partners,” a statement by US Embassy said in New Delhi.
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