India on Thursday voiced strong objection to Pakistan's move to change the status of Gilgit Baltistan and asked it to immediately end the illegal occupation of these areas along with rest of Jammu and Kashmir under its control.
The comments by External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar came in the wake of reports that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had called a Cabinet meeting to discuss various proposals, including the one to change the status of Gilgit Baltistan.
"Any attempt by Pakistan to change the legal status has no basis whatsoever. We call upon Pakistan to vacate all occupied territories," Kumar said at a press briefing here.
Gilgit Baltistan is a part of Jammu and Kashmir annexed by Pakistan in 1947.
"Our statement and position on Gilgit Baltistan has been very consistent and clear. We have said that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir has been and will remain a part of India," Kumar added.
Gilgit Baltistan has witnessed regular protests by activists over alleged human rights violations by the Pakistani authorities in the region.
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