NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Thursday slammed Pakistan for holding assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), saying it is nothing but an attempt by the neighbouring country to camouflage its “illegal occupation”.
Addressing a briefing, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said it has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan on this “cosmetic exercise”.
“The so-called elections in Indian territory under the illegal occupation of Pakistan are nothing but an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its illegal occupation and the material changes undertaken by it in these territories,” he said.
“Such an exercise can neither hide the illegal occupation by Pakistan nor the grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom to the people in these occupied territories,” he added.
India’s strong response comes days after Pakistan conducted elections to the legislative assembly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Amid allegations of poll rigging by the opposition, Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party has won 25 of 45 seats in Pakistan occupied Kashmir legislative assembly elections marred by deadly violence. Thousands of demonstrators hit the streets to protest against the Pakistan army after reports of election manipulation.
Addressing a briefing, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said it has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan on this “cosmetic exercise”.
“The so-called elections in Indian territory under the illegal occupation of Pakistan are nothing but an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its illegal occupation and the material changes undertaken by it in these territories,” he said.
“Such an exercise can neither hide the illegal occupation by Pakistan nor the grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom to the people in these occupied territories,” he added.
India’s strong response comes days after Pakistan conducted elections to the legislative assembly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Amid allegations of poll rigging by the opposition, Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party has won 25 of 45 seats in Pakistan occupied Kashmir legislative assembly elections marred by deadly violence. Thousands of demonstrators hit the streets to protest against the Pakistan army after reports of election manipulation.
