Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik has dispatched a letter to the premier of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in which he has put forth his views in length with regard to the future of Gilgit Baltistan.The letter reads: “I take this opportunity to offer my good will and good faith to you. I am writing because media reports say that you are holding a meeting to discuss the future constitutional status of Gilgit Baltistian. I will pour my heart out with the hope you will see and appreciate the sentiment behind it.”“Respected Prime Minister: reports say that on the 14th of January, your government is holding a meeting where the future of Gilgit Baltistan is going to be deliberated upon. Apprehensions have been raised in various quarters that your government may reach a consensus to merge Gilgit Baltistan with Pakistan. This will have implications on the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir. If Pakistan imposes its sovereign writ over Gilgit Baltistan, India will then have a political and moral right to integrate Kashmir with it. With one stroke, Pakistan will be helping India to consolidate its writ on Kashmir.
Respected Prime Minster: I, as someone who represents the aspirations and sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir urge and appeal to you to stay away from such a course of action. It is not only political wisdom that makes me make this appeal but also respect for the sentiments, sacrifices and aspirations of Kashmiri people. From 1947 people of Jammu Kashmir have been striving for their birth right and lakhs of people have given their lives for this struggle in Kashmir, people have lost their near and dear ones, homes and yet people of Kashmir hold the struggle dear to their heart. If your government incorporates Gilgit Baltistan into Pakistan, and if as a consequence, India consolidates its hold in Kashmir, this would amount to a bartering of people’s aspirations. Kashmir is not about territory. It is about rights of people. Bartering these rights for land means killing the aspirations of people.
Respected Prime Minister: Media has reported that China Pakistan corridor is making you change the constitutional status of Gilgit Baltistan. Economic development is good but you have no moral right to make policy that will adversely affect the future of millions of Kashmiris.
I know that Pakistan is in a phase of history that is delicate. But this does not mean trading people’s rights. I know you in personal capacity. When you met me in Lahore, in 2009, you made some promises to me. I want to remind you of these promises. You clearly vindicated Kashmiri position on Gilgit Baltistan and opposed any proposal that will change its legal or constitutional status. I will also add that history is not made by small bargaining and territorial exchanges but by respecting the will of the people. The will of people in Kashmir is what everyone including your good self knows. History, morality and ethics dictate that will of people prevail. History also judges people in light of greatness and great achievements they make. So I urge you to take a long view of history and not short term interest.”In the end Malik writes to Pakistani Prime Minister that, “I appeal you to think of the legacy you will leave if you become party to depriving people of their historical, political and moral rights for which they have given their lives. Bartering away territory for economic growth does not make you statesman. It is opportunity for you to become a statesman by not bowing to economic pressures. Become a statesman and resist short term temptations.” (CNS)