India has strongly objected to the terminology used by The New York Times in its coverage of the ongoing PoK unrest, saying there is no entity called “Pakistani Kashmir”. The Indian Embassy in Washington criticised the publication after it reported on violence during local elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, asserting that the territory is illegally occupied by Pakistan and remains an inseparable part of India.
The response comes as the PoK unrest has intensified following a reported crackdown by Pakistani security forces on demonstrators, leaving dozens of civilians dead and several injured.
India objects to NYT report on PoK unrest
The controversy began after The New York Times published a report on clashes during local elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under the headline referring to “Pakistani Kashmir.”
Reacting to the report, the Indian Embassy in the United States said the description was “misleading and incorrect.” It reiterated that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have always been integral parts of India and said Pakistan continues to occupy parts of the region illegally.
The embassy further alleged that Pakistan was using force against civilians in the occupied territory while attempting to legitimise its control through local elections. India’s position remains consistent that Pakistan has no legal claim over the territory despite administering it for decades.
According to official statements, the PoK unrest highlights the worsening situation in the region rather than validating Pakistan’s administrative process.
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Protest crackdown raises concerns
The latest PoK unrest has been driven by demonstrations led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has raised issues including inflation, governance, discrimination, and the treatment of minority communities.
Government sources claimed that Pakistani security forces opened fire during a long march from Rawalakote to Muzaffarabad, resulting in more than 30 civilian deaths and over 33 injuries. The protesters have reportedly sought an independent international investigation into the violence.
The Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation has also criticised the reported use of force, while authorities continue to maintain a heavy security presence across key towns to prevent further demonstrations.
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India reiterates stand on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
New Delhi has described the elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as an attempt to mask what it calls Pakistan’s illegal occupation and alleged human rights violations.
Officials said the boycott of the electoral process by several groups reflects declining public confidence in the administration. India maintains that the developments linked to the PoK unrest reinforce its long-standing position that Pakistan continues to exercise unlawful control over the territory.
The Ministry of External Affairs has consistently stated that Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, remains an integral part of India under its constitutional framework.
