The Centre on Monday said the issue of illegal and forcible occupation of areas in Jammu and Kashmir by the neighbouring nation remains to be resolved.
“A part of the territory of the state (J&K) is under illegal and forcible occupation of Pakistan. The issue that remains to be resolved in J&K is the vacation by Pakistan of the area under its illegal occupation,” Defence Minister A K Antony told the Lok Sabha.
On demilitarisation of Siachen glacier, he said, “The area of Siachen glacier is an integral part of India. The government is principled and consistent position is that the entire state of J&K is an integral part of the Indian Union.”
Antony said India remains committed to resolve all outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally and peacefully in accordance with the Simla Agreement and Lahore Declaration.
On Ceasefire Line (CFL) between the two nations, he said, “The CFL has to be interpreted in the light of the Karachi Agreement 1949 and the Simla Agreement 1972. The LC ( Line of Control) is interpreted to run northwards to glacier from point NJ 9842 and as per the principles of International Law along the watershed formation by the Saltoro Range.”
On wrong depiction of the Indian borders in international maps, Antony said as and when any map depicting Indian borders inaccurately was brought to the notice of the government, the matter is taken up with the publisher through Indian missions concerned.
“The cartographic aggression on the basis of incorrect delineation was taken up with the US government in 1983. Besides, the position of Government of India has also been conveyed to the Government of Pakistan through military and diplomatic channels,” he said.