GILGIT, June 3: The Northern Areas Legislative Council in its meeting on Monday discussed the current standoff with India and pledged that the people of Northern Areas would fight side by side with the Pakistan Army if India committed any aggression against the country.

The council was of the view that war was not a solution to any issue as it would devastate both countries of South Asia.

The NALC members criticized the role of US and European countries for showing duplicity in defusing tension between the two countries.

The council members also criticized deployment of Qasim Rangers at Sost border and demanded their immediate withdrawal, saying that it had badly affected tourism in the area.

PROBE ORDERED: President Pervez Musharraf has ordered investigation into the alleged grabbing of land in the vicinity Shandhur Pologround by the Chitral Scouts. The land belonged to Ghizer District of Northern Areas, informed sources told Dawn.