Modi warns PM against attempt to hand over Sir Creek to Pakistan(Video)

Ahmedabad, 12 December 2012

Attempt to hand over Sir-Creek to Pakistan would be strategic blunder considering the history and sensitivity of regions:Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi told PM in a letter.

Shri Modi wrote a letter to PM as a concerned citizen of Gujarat.

“Handing over Sir-Creek to Pakistan will endanger our energy security from potential oil & gas reserves in future,” Shri Modi told the PM in a letter.

Content of the letter:

“I am writing on a serious issue of talks going on Sir-Creek being handed over to Pakistan. I had raised this issue in the Chief Minister conference on Internal Security held in New Delhi on 16th April 2012. During my recent visit to Coastal district of Kutch and Saurasthra region and border districts of Northern Gujarat, there is a genuine fear among the people regarding safety and security of Gujarat state, if government of India agrees to hand over Sir-Creek to Pakistan. I am writing to you at this juncture, because I was told that a decision is being taken on Sir-Creek issue on 15th December. I would have written this letter to you as Chief Minister of Gujarat. Since code of conduct in Gujarat election are in place and this issue needs urgent attention, I am writing to you as a concerned and responsible citizen of Gujarat.”

“Sir-Creek issue has been settled 100 years back between rulers of Kutch and Sindh. Even the tribunal verdict in 1968 headed by the British Prime Minister Harold Wilson shows Pakistan getting only 10% of its claim of 9000 sq. km. of this broader area. Handing over Sir Creek to Pakistan will totally open up Gujarat border with Pakistan. I was given to understand that recently Pakistan carried out a joint operation of their army, air force and navy code named Sea-Spark-12, almost one month very near to Sir-Creek. This is a disturbing development for security and safety of Gujarat. Handing over Sir-Creek to Pakistan will give them more control over the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the sea. This will be permanent threat to fishermen of Saurashtra and Kutch area and also the vital defence installations and major industrial installations like refineries and ports.”

“I am of the firm opinion that Kutch, Saurashtra, and North Gujarat has vast potential of oil and gas both off shore and onshore. Handing over Sir-Creek to Pakistan will endanger our energy security from these potential oil and gas reserves in the future.”

“Earlier also I had requested to put a dedicated force to explore hydrocarbon potential of these areas. Any attempt to hand over Sir-Creek to Pakistan would be a strategic blunder considering the history and sensitivity of the region. The 1965 war between India and Pakistan began in the Rann of Kutch where Sir Creek lies.”

“At no point in the entire process has the government of Gujarat been consulted. In similar case of Teesta agreement with Bangladesh West Bengal Chief Minister was consulted and the agreement was cancelled. At no cost should Sir-Creek be given to Pakistan, as it will be a sell out of Indian interest and it is a major threat to safety and security to the people of Gujarat. I would earnestly request you to stop this dialogue with Pakistan at once and Sir-Creek should not be handed over to Pakistan.”

“I would request you to stop taking any decision on this crucial issue on 15th December. After the election are over in Gujarat, I shall seek your time to personally discuss this issue with you.”