Experts suggest multi-dimensional approach to Gilgit-Baltistan issue

Panel of former diplomats, military veterans and policy advisors canvass strategies in a webinar as they discuss the road-map to claim the elusive region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

New Delhi: While advocating a multi-dimensional approach to counter Pakistan and China in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) – former diplomats, military veterans, and topical experts stressed the need for India to carry out significant symbolic gestures to achieve its strategic objective of reclaiming this resource-rich region.

From appointing a political advisor, to establishing a cultural center and promoting indigenous languages of GB – the speakers outlined various strategies while speaking at the two-hour-long webinar ‘Gilgit-Baltistan – A Road Map’ organized by the Central University of Jammu (CUJ) on 18 May.

In his opening remark, former diplomat and Chancellor of the CUJ, G Parthasarathy said that all screws must be turned with all available resources to resolve the issue of GB. “India must take upon a multi-faceted approach to achieve its objectives. Apart from Pakistan, China is a larger issue in GB,” Parthasarathy added.

Echoing with Parthasarathy’s words, Alok Bansal Director at the India Foundation said that Islamabad in aegis with China is intensely encouraging sectarian conflicts in the GB region.

“Pakistan has no jurisdiction on this region as these are Indian cities. Thus, they are marginalizing the distinct linguistic and cultural identity of the land,” Bansal said while adding that the day-to-day life of the locals are minutely controlled by the Pakistani army.

Bansal in his remarks suggested the establishment of GB cultural-language centers in Jammu, and radio stations in Kashmir to air shows in Shina-language. He also highlighted that New Delhi must fill the 24 assembly seats which have been earmarked in Jammu and Kashmir Constitution for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and GB.

Examining the position and plot of China in GB, the former member National Security Advisory Board Lt. Gen. (Retd) SL Narasimhan said that Beijing intends to operate in Afghanistan, and thus is seeking to gain control on GB.

“The region (GB) is extremely important for China to not only overcome the Malacca dilemma but also to sell the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to the world. Beijing wants to entice Afghanistan in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and then gradually plans to move into Tajikistan. Thus, we must monitor and check their movements in GB,” Narasimhan remarked.

He claimed that there are over 15 energy projects, apart from several deep mining, tunnels, and mineral exploration operations being carried out in the region by Beijing.

Speaking about the political polemic mushrooming over GB the polymath on China voiced that Beijing should not be part of any discussion pertaining to the region. “Beijing treats GB as an internal issue of Islamabad. It is a two-party issue (Pakistan and India), China has no say in this,” Narasimhan added.

Former GoC-in-C of the Army’s Srinagar-based 15 Corps, Lt General (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain left no stone unturned as he deciphered on India’s military capabilities to claim back the region of GB. He commended the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in creating, communicating and conveying the much-needed political intent towards reclaiming GB.

“Steps taken by India have made Pakistan realize that New Delhi has upped the ante on both military and political fronts for GB. We must now canvass a long-drawn campaign to trigger internal security issues in Pakistan for getting the region (GB) back,” Hasnain said.

Hasnain, a highly decorated retired general of the Indian Army, who has also commanded an Army Corps in Jammu and Kashmir said that Pakistan’s weakest flank is GB. He claimed that the Indian offensive capability in Ladakh, PoK has augmented.

“While China is weak in its capability in GB, Pakistan will have to manage operations on external lines to contain our forces. For India it will be easy as we will be operating from internal lines,” Hasnain observed while adding that even though New Delhi has the advantage in a high-altitude military approach for unfurling tricolor in GB, it would not guarantee the expected outcome.

Bringing in the perspective of the people of GB, PoK activist Amjad Mirza, who now lives in exile in Glasgow asserted proactive support from the Indian leadership towards the region and its people.

“For over 70 years, we (people of GB) have suffered through the hands of Pakistan. Apart from the current Indian government, no one paid heed to our cries. We are witnessing the steps taken by New Delhi, but more needs to be done and soon,” Mirza reflected while calling upon an appointment of a political advisor – an expert on GB stationed in Ladakh.

The exiled activist also appealed to the Indian leadership to assist the people of GB in tackling the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. He said that Pakistan has turned its back on the people of the region, as medical aid, supplementary products, and food supplies have depleted.

“GB needs 300,000 bags of wheat and rice. The Indian government must try to send trucks with food grains through the Kargil-Skardu highway,” Mirza appealed during the webinar.

He projected that Pakistan could reject Indian’s efforts to help GB, however, this attempt will help in exposing Islamabad’s inimical motives in front of the international community.