Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan Election Plan Draws Sharp Response From India

New Delhi: India has given a strong message to Pakistan regarding the proposed elections in Gilgit-Baltistan. The Ministry of External Affairs clearly said on Friday that the area where elections are being held is an integral part of India. Pakistan has illegally occupied it.

Why did India reject the elections?

The Ministry of External Affairs said that India completely rejects the so-called elections to be held in Gilgit-Baltistan on June 7. According to the ministry, this step of Pakistan cannot change the ground reality of the area nor can it give any legitimacy to its occupation. Holding elections does not change the lines of the map.

What is India's legal claim?

New Delhi reiterated that the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including Gilgit-Baltistan, legally became part of India in 1947. Therefore, India's claim on these areas is clear and permanent. India believes that no election or administrative step can change this situation.

What did India say to Pakistan?

The Ministry of External Affairs asked Pakistan to remove its illegal occupation from Indian land instead of taking such steps. India argues that holding elections or carrying out administrative activities cannot change the reality of the area in any way. The area which belongs to India will remain India's.

What allegations should be made against Pakistan?

The Foreign Ministry also accused Pakistan of diverting attention from serious problems in the region. India says that issues related to human rights, political rights and freedom of local people have been arising in Gilgit-Baltistan for a long time. Pakistan is taking the help of elections to suppress these issues. According to the government, holding elections in Gilgit-Baltistan is just a political exercise.

Through this, Pakistan is trying to justify its control. But India has made it clear that it will not accept any such attempt. Finally, India again said that Pakistan should understand the reality and remove its illegal occupation from Indian areas. The legal status of land cannot be changed by elections or other administrative actions. India's stand remains as strict and clear as before.