The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday dismissed as “unnecessary” union home minister P Chidambaram’s criticism of the party showing parts of Kashmir in colours implying Chinese or Pakistani sovereignty.
During the power point presentation on Saturday at PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s residence, the party had shown Aksai Chin, Kashmiri territory under Chinese occupation, in red and Pakistan occupied Kashmir in green.
“The map in question only shows the boundaries of the original territory of J&K as it existed in 1947 ... When we speak of resolution of problems, can we leave these areas which are not under our control out as our adversaries seem to be advocating,” the Mufti said.
On Saturday Chidambaram threatened action if the "lapse" was not unintentional.
“It is illegal occupation but we are the ones who are reclaiming the land and not giving it away,” she added.
The PDP said the map “is a major component of our self rule vision that J&K as it existed under the Maharaja should be virtually unified without challenging the sovereignty of either country”. “How is that a controversy,” the Mufti asked.
The map was referred to as the “free economic zone” under the SAARC agreement. On Sunday chief minister Omar Abdullah flayed the opposition party for the controversial map and asked it to clarify its stand on the territorial integrity of India.
The map was referred to as the “free economic zone” under the SAARC agreement. On Sunday chief minister Omar Abdullah flayed the opposition party for the controversial map and asked it to clarify its stand on the territorial integrity of India.