India Rejects Pak’s Concern Over Geospatial Bill For Complete J & K Map

The government of India has reacted strongly to the Pakistan’s request to UN on its concerns over the proposed ‘Geospatial Information Regulation Bill’, by saying it is an internal legislative matter of the country, since the whole of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan  or any other party has no locus standi in the matter.

Vikas Swarup, external affairs ministry spokesperson said “ The government firmly rejects Pakistan’s repeated and increasing attempts to impose on the international community matters that India has always been open to address bilaterally with Pakistan.

Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan's ministry of foreign affairs, permanent representative in New York Maleeha Lodhi  made a statement that says "In violation of UNSC resolutions, the official map of India has been depicting the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir as part of India which is factually incorrect and legally untenable. Through the passage of this Bill, the Indian government would penalize the individuals and organizations who depict Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory as per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions."

Pakistan said that it has appealed to the international community and the United Nations to fulfill their commitment with the people of Jammu and Kashmir by holding an independent and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices.

As per proposed Geospatial Information Regulation Bill, any creation or addition of geospatial information will be needing government permission as well as whoever involves in illegal acquisition of geospatial information or dissemination could be fined upto 100 crores or an imprisonment of seven years for using such info within India or outside India.