Srinagar: Hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani has written a letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif opposing a proposed move to merge Gilgit-Baltistan with that country, warning that such a step would prove disastrous.
"The merger of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan will prove a disaster for the disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir and this act will impact the disputed status of this region," he wrote.
Describing Gilgit-Baltistan as integral part of Jammu and Kashmir, the Hurriyat hawk said the Pakistan-China economic corridor will definitely boost the economic condition of this region but merging it in Pakistan for this purpose is not necessary.
He said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan could have some genuine grievances and by addressing those complaints, Pakistan can restore their trust and their affiliation with the Pakistan.
