India's new political map spooks Pakistan; Imran Khan govt rejects it

Spooked by India's newly released political map, Pakistan on Sunday, issued a press release claiming that the inclusion of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (known as PoK) is incorrect and void. Pakistan alleged that the new map was in violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and rejected the political maps. The press release claimed that the 'disputed' status of J&K cannot be changed by the Indian government.

Pakistan slams India's political map

"We reiterate that no step by India can change the 'disputed' status of Jammu and Kashmir recognized by the United Nations. Pakistan will continue supporting the legitimate struggle of the people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir for exercising their right to self-determination in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions," stated the press release.

READ | India reminds China of its occupation after 'unlawful UTs' statement

India releases new political map

Two days after Jammu and Kashmir was officially bifurcated into two Union Territories, the Central government on November 2, issued a notification defining the newly marked boundaries.  The boundaries define the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Notably, all the districts of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) are shown as districts of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.

READ | Home Ministry releases new political map of India, includes PoK

China slams bifurcation

Similarly, China objected to the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories as "unlawful and void". It said that India's decision to "include" some of China's territory into its administrative jurisdiction "challenged" Beijing's sovereignty, according to PTI. China had raised similar concerns after the revocation of Article 370  on August 5. Meanwhile, India has pointed out that China continues to occupy a major area in Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh.

READ | Formation of J&K, Ladakh union territories "unlawful and void" :China

UTs come into existence

The President's rule imposed in undivided Jammu and Kashmir was revoked on Thursday following bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories. The two UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh come into existence on Thursday after the central government on August 5 decided to abrogate the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and create them on October 31. G C Murmu and R K Mathur have been sworn-in as first Lt Governors of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh respectively on Thursday.

READ | Kulgam school torched by terrorists days before J&K's bifurcation