GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government and opposition leaders on Saturday reacted strongly to Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement about the region and termed his remarks “ridiculous”.

GB Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid, the cabinet members and opposition leader in the assembly warned the Indian minister that the people of GB “will be first people to defend natural and ideological borders of Pakistan”.

In a video message, Mr Khurshid said the Indian defence minister “might not be aware of the freedom spirit and history of the people of GB”.

The brave people of GB have driven Dogra rulers and got freedom before unconditionally annexing the region with Pakistan, he added.

“Even after its independence, the people of GB have crushed Indian ambitions in wars, including Kargil, and protected the natural and ideological borders of Pakistan.”

Also, opposition leader in GB assembly Amjad Hussain said GB was “the first defence line of Pakistan”. He said India was culpable for oppression of people in held Kashmir.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2022