India has strongly opposed Pakistan's planned assembly elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, terming the move as illegal and a violation of the United Nations resolutions. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the region of Gilgit-Baltistan, are an integral part of India.
India's Stance on Gilgit-Baltistan
The MEA spokesperson stated that India firmly believes that any action by Pakistan to alter the status of the region is null and void. The government has urged the international community to take note of Pakistan's actions and hold it accountable for violating international law and UN resolutions.
Historical Context
Gilgit-Baltistan has been a disputed territory between India and Pakistan since the partition in 1947. Pakistan has been pushing for political integration of the region, which India considers illegal. The proposed assembly elections are seen as an attempt by Pakistan to legitimize its control over the area.
The MEA also highlighted that India's position on the matter is consistent with its longstanding policy of not recognizing any changes to the status of the region brought about by Pakistan. The government has called for the immediate cessation of such activities and for Pakistan to respect the UN Charter and resolutions.
India has also raised the issue at various international forums, including the United Nations, to highlight Pakistan's violations. The MEA emphasized that the elections in Gilgit-Baltistan are a domestic matter of Pakistan and do not change the legal status of the territory.
The opposition from India comes amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors over the Kashmir issue. India has consistently maintained that the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and any attempts by Pakistan to alter its status are unacceptable.
