PoJK leader says if Kashmir stays with India, 'Gilgit-Baltistan will also go with India'

A video featuring reportedly a leader of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) has recently gained attention on the internet, igniting discussions about the region's political landscape and its relationship with Pakistan. The purported video captures a public gathering where the JKLF leader addresses the crowd, making bold statements about the sovereignty of PoJK and Gilgit-Baltistan.

In the video, the JKLF leader asserted that Pakistan cannot unilaterally declare PoJK and Gilgit-Baltistan as its integral parts. He confidently expressed the sentiment that the people of the region are not bound by Pakistan's will and that any attempts to force such a decision upon them will not be tolerated. He further stated that the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan and PoJK will align themselves with the will of the people in the Kashmir Valley. If the people of Kashmir Valley choose to remain with India, the speaker proclaimed that they will abandon Pakistan and opt to be a part of India, emphasising their attachment to the larger Kashmir region.

We (the people of #GilgitBaltistan /POJK) will follow the will and decision of the people of Kashmir valley. If they decide to remain with India, we will abandon Pakistan and join India. We do not want to be separated from Kashmir. JKLF leader #PakistanArmy pic.twitter.com/tP9kQ4bxeX

— #SengeSering ས།ཚ། (@SengeHSering)

"Pakistan cannot dare to declare PoJK and Baltistan its part. Pakistan cannot do that. They cannot force us. If they force us, only one thing can happen. We (the people of Gilgit-Baltistan / (PoJK) will follow the will and decision of the people of Kashmir Valley. If they decide to remain with India, we will abandon Pakistan and join India. We do not want to be separated from Kashmir," he said in the purported video.

This video sheds light on the ongoing sentiments and demands within Gilgit Baltistan and PoJK for closer ties or reunification with India. The region has witnessed a surge in voices advocating for joining India, as seen in earlier protests and demonstrations. In January, residents of Gilgit Baltistan took to the streets to express their discontent with the Pakistani regime, particularly the military's control. Protestors openly called for their region to be annexed to Kargil, which is part of India's Ladakh region.