With reference to “Shaksgam Valley”, which of the following statements is/are correct?1.This valley is a strategic, key region, that is part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).2.India has lodged protest against the infrastructural development being carried out by China in this valley.Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

1. A

   Only 2

   Option (a) claims that only statement 2 is correct while statement 1 is incorrect. However, statement 1 is also factually correct as the Shaksgam Valley is indeed a part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir illegally ceded by Pakistan to China. Therefore, restricting the answer to only statement 2 makes this option incomplete.

2. B

   Neither 1 nor 2

   Option (b) claims that neither statement 1 nor statement 2 is correct. This is entirely incorrect because both statements present accurate geopolitical facts regarding India's territorial claims and diplomatic protests. Hence, rejecting both statements contradicts official geographical and historical records.

3. C

   Only 1

   Option (c) claims that only statement 1 is correct while statement 2 is incorrect. This is wrong because India has consistently registered strong diplomatic protests against infrastructural projects undertaken by China in this disputed region. Thus, overlooking the second statement invalidates this choice.

4. D

   Both 1 and 2

   Option (d) states that both statement 1 and statement 2 are correct. Statement 1 correctly identifies the Shaksgam Valley as a strategic tract within Pakistan-occupied Kashmir that was illegally ceded to China under the 1963 Sino-Pakistani Frontier Agreement. Statement 2 is also correct because New Delhi has repeatedly lodged formal protests with Beijing against the construction of roads and other military infrastructure in this sensitive trans-Karakoram territory. Consequently, both assertions accurately reflect India's official stance and the geopolitical realities of the region.

Summary. Official key is (d) because both statements regarding the Shaksgam Valley are entirely correct. Statement 1 accurately places the valley within Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, highlighting its strategic significance. Statement 2 correctly notes India's diplomatic protests against Chinese infrastructure development in the area. Option (d) successfully integrates all accurate aspects of the question, making it the definitive choice.