India expressed strong opposition to Pakistan’s intention to conduct “General Elections” in the so-called Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, located in Indian territories occupied by Pakistan. The Indian government reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Gilgit-Baltistan are integral parts of India, emphasizing the grave human rights violations and political repression in the occupied regions.
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement condemning Pakistan’s announcement of polling for all constituencies in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) Assembly on July 27. India firmly rejects any efforts by Pakistan to alter the status of the illegally occupied areas, emphasizing that Pakistan must vacate Indian territories it holds unlawfully.
India highlighted the ongoing human rights violations, political repression, economic exploitation, and denial of freedom in the territories under Pakistan’s illegal occupation. The Indian government firmly stated that Pakistan’s actions cannot conceal the fact that it continues to occupy Indian lands against international norms.
Last November, India urged Pakistan to end the severe human rights abuses in the areas it occupies in Kashmir. India’s UN Mission representative called on Pakistan to halt the repression and brutality against civilians agitating for their rights in the occupied regions. Pakistan’s occupation of Indian territories was strongly condemned by India at the international forum.
