India on Tuesday strongly criticized the so-called local elections conducted in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), describing the exercise as a “complete farce” that fails to conceal the prevailing unrest and alleged human rights violations in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the electoral process cannot erase the reality of prolonged protests, civilian casualties, and the use of force against demonstrators.
Speaking at a media briefing, MEA spokesperson accused Pakistan of attempting to create an illusion of legitimacy through what he termed a hollow electoral exercise while ignoring widespread public dissatisfaction.
India Alleges Months of Unrest in PoK
According to the MEA, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has witnessed sustained protests since June this year, with residents expressing discontent over various issues. India alleged that the Pakistani establishment responded to these demonstrations with excessive force rather than addressing the concerns of the local population.
Jaiswal claimed that at least 90 civilians have lost their lives during the crackdown, while many others have suffered injuries. He alleged that security forces used coercive measures, including firing on protesters, communication blackouts, intimidation, and other restrictive actions to suppress public dissent.
The spokesperson maintained that these developments reflect the actual situation in the region and cannot be overshadowed by holding local elections.
‘Elections Cannot Hide Ground Reality’
India asserted that the electoral process in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir does not change the realities faced by people living in the region. The MEA argued that democratic exercises cannot be considered credible when conducted amid allegations of violence, restrictions, and fear.
Jaiswal said the so-called elections were being projected as a means to manufacture legitimacy despite ongoing protests and allegations of human rights violations. According to him, genuine democratic participation requires an environment where people can freely express their opinions without intimidation or coercion.
He added that attempts to portray normalcy through elections would not succeed if underlying grievances remain unresolved.
Call for International Accountability
The MEA also urged the international community to closely examine the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir instead of accepting what it described as Pakistan’s narrative on human rights.
Jaiswal stated that Pakistan should be held accountable for its actions in the region. He alleged that Islamabad’s public statements on human rights lack credibility when viewed against the reported conditions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
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According to India, the global community should look beyond official claims and pay attention to reports of civilian deaths, injuries, communication restrictions, and alleged intimidation faced by residents.
India Reiterates Its Position on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
India has consistently maintained that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including areas under Pakistan’s illegal occupation, are an integral part of the country. New Delhi has repeatedly rejected political or administrative measures undertaken by Pakistan in the region, stating that such actions have no legal validity.
The latest remarks by the MEA reflect India’s longstanding position that elections or administrative changes carried out by Pakistan in the occupied territory cannot alter its legal status.
Diplomatic Tensions Continue
The latest statement is expected to further sharpen diplomatic differences between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. Both countries have frequently exchanged criticism over developments in the region at bilateral and international forums.
While Pakistan has projected the local elections as part of its governance process, India has dismissed the exercise, alleging that it is intended to divert attention from the prevailing situation on the ground.
The issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir continues to remain one of the most contentious aspects of India-Pakistan relations. New Delhi has consistently maintained that meaningful progress requires an end to cross-border terrorism and respect for India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
India reiterated that democratic legitimacy cannot be established through elections conducted amid allegations of violence and suppression. The MEA emphasized that lasting peace and stability can only be achieved when the rights and aspirations of the people are respected in a transparent and accountable manner.
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