India on Friday lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over the conduct of elections for the so-called Gilgit-Baltistan assembly, asserting that the region has been "illegally and forcibly occupied" by Pakistan. New Delhi stated that such endeavours by Pakistan cannot "mask" the underlying issues of "grave" human rights violations, political repression, economic exploitation and denial of freedom in the territories illegally occupied by Pakistan.
India's firm stance on Gilgit-Baltistan
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement condemning the electoral exercise, terming it a farce and an attempt to legitimise Islamabad's unlawful control over the region. India reiterated that the entire union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas under Pakistan's illegal occupation, are an integral part of India.
Human rights concerns highlighted
India pointed out that the people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have been subjected to systematic suppression of their democratic rights. The protest note emphasised that holding elections does not absolve Pakistan of its responsibility to address the severe human rights situation in the region.
New Delhi called on the international community to take note of Pakistan's continued violations and urged Islamabad to vacate the occupied territories immediately. India remains committed to the peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues, including the return of illegally occupied Indian territory.
