Geelani writes to Pak PM, opposes merger of Gilgit-Baltistan

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.

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Meanwhile, chairman of moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was also taken into custody as he tried to lead a march to Kulgam.
"Mirwaiz was arrested while he was leaving for Kulgam. A heavy contingent of police arrived at his residence and took him into custody," a spokesman of the Hurriyat said.