BJP, JKNPP, JSM stage walkout over POK issue

 Expressing concern over the alleged leasing out of land of Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) to China and increasing their presence in these areas, the opposition staged a walkout from the J-K Assembly today amidst uproarious scenes.

The opposition BJP, JKNPP and Jammu State Morcha (JSM) staged the walkout demanding liberation of POK and getting it back to the Indian fold.

BJP members led by Jugal Kishore, JKNPP members headed by Balwant Singh Mankotia and JSM member Ashwani Kumar raised the issue of alleged leasing out of land by Pakistan in Gilgit Baltistan and POK to China.

They expressed concern over the alleged increasing presence of China in these areas and sought a reply from the government.

Asserting the Centre should take measures in this regard, they demanded that POK should be liberated and taken back as per a resolution in the Parliament that POK and other areas are parts of India.

Referring to media reports, Jugal Kishore claimed that China was using the land in these areas and Pakistan had leased out some parts to China to keep a tab on the activities of India.

The BJP leader accused both the state and central governments of remaining `mum' on the issue.
During their protests the House witnessed uproarious scenes after the Minister for Revenue Raman Bhalla said it was an issue concerning the Union Home Ministry.

The members later staged a walkout from the House over the issue.JKNPP members led by Harshdev Singh also raised the issue of alleged discrimination in grant of crop compensation under the Natural Calamity Fund in the Jammu region and trooped into the Well of the House.
Singh asserted that no compensation had been granted to the affected people under crop compensation in Udhampur and Samba districts.

On Deputy Speaker Sartaj Madni giving directions to the government to reply on the issue, Minister for Revenue Raman Bhalla said that the matter would be looked into.
Unsatisfied by the reply, the JKNPP members staged the walkout.