New Delhi, August 4. India has termed the “so-called elections” being held in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) a sham and urged global organizations to take action against the atrocities being committed against ordinary citizens.
Speaking at the weekly press briefing on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “These so-called local elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are a complete sham. The reality on the ground is marked by public protests and brutal killings by Pakistani forces. Such hollow claims are far removed from reality.”
Highlighting the consequences of Pakistan’s repressive policies used to quell protests in PoK, Jaiswal stated, “Since June, 90 people have been killed and many more injured in the ongoing public protests there. The ruling establishment has responded to public discontent with bullets, communication blackouts, repression, and intimidation.”
He urged the global community to clearly see through Pakistan’s hypocritical facade. He added, “Pakistan is now attempting to create an illusion of legitimacy through this hollow electoral exercise. It must be held accountable for this. The world community needs to look beyond the mask of Pakistan’s hypocritical lectures on human rights and see the reality.”
The firing by Pakistani security forces and the repressive actions against protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have drawn global attention. The protests, led by the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), began on June 5. Responding to a question regarding Pakistan’s activities that foster cross-border terrorism, Jaiswal said, “Everyone witnessed the kind of response we gave them during Operation Sindoor. We urge all nations to take strict action against cross-border terrorism and those who abet it. We also call upon Pakistan to take stringent measures against cross-border terrorism and dismantle the terror infrastructure operating from its soil.”
