India on Monday said it would seek independent verification of reports suggesting the presence of Chinese troops in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). “If the reports are true, it could be a matter of serious concern and we will do all that is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the nation,” said Foreign Office spokesperson Vishnu Prakash when asked about the news reports.
A report in the New York Times has claimed an ‘influx' of 7,000 to 11,000 soldiers of the People's Liberation Army in the Gilgit-Baltistan region in PoK where independent verification is difficult due to restricted access. Mr. Prakash said the government welcomed Pakistan's decision to accept Indian aid through the United Nations. “We would be in touch with the UN agencies concerned to work out the modalities of routing the aid to Pakistan,” he added.
Keywords: PoK, Gilgit-Baltistan, New York Times, Chinese presence
Comments:
In 1962, the Nation suffered a humiliating defeat, as the then Government under PM J L Nehru never believed that there will be a war and retained Armed Forces for ceremonial purposes only. He as the present PM made the services a lame duck fighting force.
Our successive politicians and bureaucrats are more interested in keeping our eyes closed and denying the services its due to defend the Nation. Defence of the Nation is neither a concern of the PM or Defence Minister !!!
I am aware of a paper way back in 1993, prepared by some one in US think tank about survey of rail link through occupied Kashmir to Karanchi/ Gwdar sea port in Pakistan. At this time rail link from Gormo ( China) to Lahsa( Tibet) was under construction.
In spite of the above facts and development of Karakoram highway, the Government did nothing. I am sure the GOI has been always aware of Chinese activities in Tibet,Pok,Pakistan,Myanmar,Nepal,Srilanka and Indian Ocean. But every Defence Minister or Prime Minister possibly lives on hope that my 5 year term should pass without taking some hard decisions.
George Fernandez dared to accept the assessment of three service Chiefs and declared that China is No 1 enemy. He had the guts to visit Siachen Glacier every year during worst winter weather and was present in Dras when Army and Air Force were fighting to evict Pak troops from Indian side of LOC.
In the history of the Indian Army it was for the first time that the body bags of martyrs soldiers were brought home. In 1947,1962,1965 and 1971 all bodies were cremated in the battle zones. Three cheers to George Fernandez.
Countrymen be aware history is due to repeat it self in a decade or earlier.
India had 64 years to resolve the Kashmir issue. For all the governments, Muslim vote bank was of prime importance - more than Kashmir. Even now it is not too late to resolve the Kashmir issue for good. If we have to use force then so be it.