India on Tuesday rejected the so-called local elections conducted in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), describing them as a "complete farce." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the electoral exercise could not conceal what it described as the continuing repression and deteriorating human rights situation in the region.
Addressing a media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the so-called elections were merely a hollow exercise and did not reflect the realities faced by people living in PoJK.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
India termed the so-called local elections in PoJK a "complete farce."
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticised the electoral exercise.
India alleged continued repression and human rights violations in PoJK.
The MEA claimed at least 90 civilians have died since June during an ongoing crackdown.
India urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable.
He alleged that public protests in the region have been met with force and claimed that since June this year, at least 90 civilians have lost their lives during an ongoing crackdown. According to the MEA, Pakistani authorities have responded to public discontent with violence, communication blackouts, intimidation and repression.
The spokesperson further said Pakistan should be held accountable for the situation in PoJK and urged the international community to take note of what India described as contradictions in Pakistan's human rights narrative.
Pakistan has consistently rejected India's position on Jammu and Kashmir. The issue remains a longstanding point of dispute between the two countries.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The statement reflects India's longstanding position that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and underscores continuing diplomatic differences between the two countries over the region.
