New Delhi: India has strongly objected to the terminology used by The New York Times in a report on unrest in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), describing its reference to the region as “Pakistani Kashmir” as misleading and factually incorrect.
The criticism came after the newspaper published a report on violent clashes during local elections in the region, using the phrase in its headline. Responding to the report, the Embassy of India, Washington, D.C. said there is no “Pakistani Kashmir” and asserted that the correct description is “Pakistan occupied Kashmir.”
In a statement shared on social media, the embassy reiterated India’s longstanding position that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are, have always been and will remain integral and inalienable parts of India. It further stated that Pakistan continues to illegally occupy parts of these territories and accused Islamabad of using violence against people living in the occupied region.
India has consistently maintained that Pakistan remains in illegal and forcible occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Earlier this month, New Delhi attributed the ongoing protests in PoK to decades of alleged exploitation, administrative neglect and political oppression under Pakistani control. It also criticised reports of police action against demonstrators.
The report that drew India’s objection covered violent clashes in the Mirpur region, where police confronted members of a civil rights group protesting alleged police excesses during local body elections. It also cited calls from human rights groups for an independent investigation into reported deaths and injuries resulting from the violence.
According to reports, protests across PoK have intensified in recent weeks over rising living costs, allegations of discrimination and administrative failures. Demonstrations led by the Joint Awami Action Committee reportedly turned violent after security forces used force against protesters during a march from Rawalakote to Muzaffarabad, leaving dozens dead and several others injured.
India has also described the ongoing local elections in PoK as an attempt by Pakistan to legitimise what it calls its illegal occupation of the territory while diverting attention from alleged human rights violations in the region.
