Release of ‘Forgotten Kashmir: The Other Side of the Line of Control’ by Shri Manoj Sinha, Lt. Governor of Union Territory of J&K

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Shri Manoj Sinha, Lt. Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir released ‘Forgotten Kashmir: The Other Side of the Line of Kashmir’ in a virtual event on 18th March 2021. The book has been published by Harper Collins. Its author Ambassador D.P. Srivastava is a Distinguished Fellow in the Vivekananda International Foundation. The book traces political, constitutional, and economic developments in POK. Based on Pakistani and international sources, it brings out that the people of the territory neither enjoy Azadi nor autonomy.

Shri Manoj Sinha pointed out that the extensively researched work fills up an important gap in our understanding of POK. He commented particularly on its coverage of Gilgit-Baltistan. This has witnessed a major Chinese presence in hydro-power and road-building sectors. Its strategic importance has brought increased control of the Pakistan Army and further diminished the political space for its people.

The function was also attended by Shri S. Gurumurthi, Chairman VIF. Shri Arvind Gupta, Director, VIF, Ambassador Satish Chandra, former High Commissioner to Pakistan, and Lt. General Ata Hasnain also spoke. Ambassador Satish Chandra was India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations during the crucial 50th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights. Lt. General Ata Hasnain has commanded the 15th Corps in the Valley.