India has termed the so-called legislative assembly elections being conducted in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its illegal occupation and hide its grave human rights violations in the region. Briefing media in New Delhi this afternoon, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called it a cosmetic electoral exercise and said that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India. Mr Jaiswal said that the ongoing mass protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are the direct consequences of Pakistan’s economic exploitation, its denial of the people’s fundamental rights, and its administrative oppression.
On SAARC, Mr Jaiswal stated that India favours strong regional cooperation and has been working towards it for several decades. He said everyone in South Asia is aware of which country and what activities are responsible for stymying SAARC. He added that, after all, cooperation does require goodwill.
Responding to a question on Pakistan Gen Z, the spokesperson said everyone is aware that Pakistan has been sponsoring cross-border terror against India for decades. He said the people of India, including the Gen Z, have been demanding that the Pakistani state sponsored cross border terrorism must come to an end. He hoped their counterparts are taking due note.
On Pakistan and Indus Valley civilisation, Mr Jaiswal said a country which has been promoting cross border terrorism, religious fundamentalism and violence for decades, cannot have any claim to any pluralistic cultural legacy. He said their abysmal track record on the protection of minorities and their cultural rights make such desperate attempts look even more phoney.
On the attack on MV AGN Ragnar at the Port of Odesa, the MEA spokesperson said that there were four Indian nationals on board out of which two Indian nationals are safe, while two are still missing. He added that search efforts are ongoing, and the Ministry is in continuous contact with the local authorities there. Mr Jaiswal said that the government has also established contact with the families of the two missing Indian nationals.
Replying to a question on border trade with China, the spokesperson said both sides agreed last year to the reopening of border trade through the three designated trading points. These points are Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass and Nathu La pass.
On the extradition of Nirav Modi, Mr Jaiswal said that certain judicial proceedings are currently underway in the UK. He informed that once those legal proceedings are concluded, the process of his extradition will move forward. Mr Jaiswal said, the government’s position remains firm that all fugitive offenders should be brought back to India and made to face the judicial process here.
