India accuses Pakistan of masking human rights abuses in PoK while responding to NYT’s report
India has strongly rebuked The New York Times for referring to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as “Pakistani Kashmir“, asserting that the description is factually incorrect and undermines India’s sovereignty over the region.
In a sharp response, the Embassy of India in the United States reminded the American newspaper that there is “no Pakistani Kashmir“, reiterating New Delhi’s longstanding position that the entire region of Jammu & Kashmir, including the territories under Pakistan’s illegal occupation, is an inseparable part of India.
‘There is no Pakistani Kashmir’
Responding to the newspaper’s headline on social media platform X, the Indian Embassy stated:
“There is no Pakistani Kashmir, only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.”
The Embassy further emphasised that the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. It added that Pakistan continues to illegally occupy parts of these territories while subjecting the local population to violence and repression.
The remarks came after The New York Times published a report on recent unrest and local body elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, describing the region as “Pakistani Kashmir”.
Pakistan accused of hiding abuses behind elections
India also criticised Islamabad’s attempts to project normalcy through elections in the illegally occupied territory.
On Tuesday, New Delhi described the local body polls in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as an exercise aimed at camouflaging Pakistan’s illegal occupation and diverting international attention from what it called grave human rights violations in the region.
Bloody crackdown exposes Pakistan’s double standards
India’s response coincides with reports of a brutal crackdown by Pakistani security forces on civilians protesting in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
According to government sources, more than 30 civilians have been killed and over 33 injured after Pakistani forces opened fire on demonstrators participating in a long march organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
The march, which began in Rawalakot and was headed towards Muzaffarabad, was part of widespread protests over rising prices, administrative neglect, political discrimination and alleged human rights abuses.
Videos circulating on social media have shown chaotic scenes as security personnel allegedly fired on protesters, triggering widespread outrage.
India reiterates its position
India has consistently maintained that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remains an integral part of India despite Pakistan’s illegal occupation.
New Delhi has repeatedly stated that no amount of political theatre, elections or propaganda can alter the legal status of the territory, while urging Pakistan to end its repression of people living in the occupied region.
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