SRINAGAR: India on Friday strongly objected to Pakistan’s decision to hold elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, reiterating that the region is an integral part of the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and remains under Pakistan’s illegal occupation.
Responding to media queries ahead of the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for June 7, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the entire region, including Gilgit-Baltistan, legally acceded to India in 1947 as part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement, the MEA said India “categorically rejects” any attempt by Pakistan to bring about changes in territories under its “illegal and forcible occupation”, asserting that such actions do not alter the legal status of the region.
The ministry maintained that electoral exercises and administrative measures undertaken by Pakistan in the area have no bearing on India’s consistent position regarding the territory. It also called upon Pakistan to vacate the areas under its control.
New Delhi further accused Islamabad of attempting to divert attention from issues in the region, including alleged political repression, economic exploitation and violations of fundamental rights.
Pakistan is set to hold elections to the 33-member Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, which includes seats reserved for women and technocrats.
India has repeatedly opposed elections and constitutional or administrative changes carried out by Pakistan in territories that New Delhi considers part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Separately, the MEA provided an update on the recent hotel fire in south Delhi, stating that 13 foreign nationals were among the 21 people killed in the incident.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the deceased included four citizens of Nigeria, three from Kyrgyzstan, and one each from Mozambique, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Congo, Liberia and Iraq.
He said India is coordinating with the respective embassies and facilitating documentation, consular assistance and medical support for those affected. According to the MEA, around 20 to 22 foreign nationals were also injured in the blaze and are receiving necessary assistance from authorities.
