The present situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the reported presence of Chinese troops in Gilgit and Baltistan in POK and refusal of Visa to an Indian Army General were taken up in the Rajya Sabha during the zero hour. Raising the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, Brinda Karat of CPIM urged the Centre to take measures to address the present unrest in the valley. The Centre has already made it clear that it is ready to hold talks with all shades of opinion after the cycle of violence comes to an end. Raising the issue of the reports of presence of Chinese troops in Gilgit and Baltistan in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, Ramdas Aggarwal of BJP sought response from the government on the issue. He also alleged that it is an intelligence failure. Mr. Aggarwal also added that the denial of Visa to a senior Army General by Beijing is a matter of serious concern. New Delhi has already put on hold defence exchanges with China after the refusal of Visa and also put on hold visit of three Chinese military officers to India this month. It has also made it clear that it is independently verifying the reports of the presence of Chinese liberation army in Gilgit and Baltistan. An External Affairs Ministry spokesman said in New Delhi that if the reports are true, it could be a matter of serious concern.