India has rejected the local body elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling the exercise a "complete farce" and alleging that it cannot conceal the ongoing protests, civilian deaths and security crackdown in the region.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also reiterated India's demand that Pakistan dismantle cross-border terrorist infrastructure and maintained that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance until Islamabad takes credible action against terrorism.
Key Highlights
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India calls PoK local body elections a "complete farce".
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MEA says protests and civilian killings reflect the ground reality.
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India alleges around 90 civilians have been killed since June.
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Government reiterates demand for action against cross-border terrorism.
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Indus Waters Treaty to remain in abeyance, says MEA.
India Rejects PoK Elections
Speaking during a regular media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the local body elections held in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir could not hide the situation on the ground.
According to the government, the region continues to witness protests and a security crackdown despite the electoral exercise.
"The so-called local election in PoK is a complete farce. The real happening is that of public protests and killings," Jaiswal said.
India Raises Concerns Over Civilian Deaths
The MEA alleged that Pakistani security forces have used force against protesters during demonstrations that have continued since June.
According to the government, around 90 civilians have reportedly lost their lives during the ongoing unrest.
India further alleged that public discontent has been met with force, internet restrictions and intimidation, while accusing Pakistan of attempting to create legitimacy through elections.
Protests Continue in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
The protests have largely been led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
The group has been demanding action over issues including:
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Rising cost of living
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Administrative grievances
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Political discrimination
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Alleged human rights violations
According to reports, the JAAC has also appealed to international human rights organisations and the United Nations Human Rights Council for an independent investigation into the reported deaths during the protests.
India Reiterates Stand on Cross-Border Terrorism
The MEA also renewed its call for stronger international action against cross-border terrorism.
Jaiswal said countries should act against terrorist organisations operating from Pakistani territory and urged Islamabad to dismantle the infrastructure supporting such activities.
The government maintained that terrorism remains a key obstacle to improving bilateral relations.
Indus Waters Treaty Position Unchanged
India also reaffirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance.
According to the MEA, the treaty will continue to remain suspended until Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably" ends its support for cross-border terrorism.
The decision follows measures announced after the Pahalgam terror attack last year.
FAQs
Why has India rejected the PoK elections?
India says the local body elections cannot mask the ongoing protests, alleged civilian killings and security crackdown in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
What did the MEA say?
The Ministry of External Affairs described the elections as a "complete farce" and alleged that nearly 90 civilians have been killed since June during the unrest.
What is JAAC?
The Joint Awami Action Committee is a group leading protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir over governance, economic issues and other grievances.
What is India's position on the Indus Waters Treaty?
India says the treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible action against cross-border terrorism.
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