Union Home Minister Amit Shah ended speculation about the Central government’s plans for Jammu & Kashmir as he announced the revocation of Article 370 on Monday, 5 August. Shah also introduced a Reorganisation Bill that plans to divide the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories – Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Article 370 gave J&K special status, giving effect to the Instrument of Accession, under which the state acceded to India in 1947.
The Pakistan Foreign Ministry, however, condemned the announcement, saying that India can not take a unilateral decision on Jammu and Kashmir since it is an internationally recognised disputed land. Pakistan also said that the move goes against the regulations of United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The Jammu and Kashmir territory will have a legislature, while Ladakh will not.
Pakistan Condemns Move, Says Against UNSC Regulations
Pakistan strongly condemned the Indian Government's move and rejected the Indian announcements made by the government on Monday, 5 August.
The Foreign Ministry said that J&K is an internationally recognised disputed territory. No unilateral step by the Government of India can change this status, as enshrined in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. Now, will this ever be acceptable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan?
“Pakistan will employ all available options against India's move of abolishing Kashmir's status,” said Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Advisor to Pak PM for Information & Broadcasting, reported News18.
The President of Pakistan Arif Alvi, in an official statement said that India's attempt to further change the status of Jammu and Kashmir is against the resolutions of UNSC and against the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
“Pakistan supports and insists on a peaceful resolution based on wishes of Kashmiri people and stands with them in their hour of need.”Arif Alvi, President of Pakistan
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tweeted that the President must immediately summon Joint session of Parliament in the wake of Indian aggression in IOK.
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Since the two proposals came after days of speculation provoked by the Centre’s troop deployment in the Valley and orders for Amarnath pilgrims to leave, people in Pakistan have been watching the developments.
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Many raised concerns about the Simla Agreement that says, “Pending the final settlement of any problems between the two countries, neither side shall unilaterally alter the situation...”
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