India objects to Pakistan holding polls in illegally occupied Gilgit-Baltistan

India on Friday lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over its plans to hold elections to the so-called Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly in territories that New Delhi maintains are illegally occupied by Islamabad.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the so-called "General Elections", scheduled for June 7, in Gilgit-Baltistan were being conducted in Indian territory under Pakistan's illegal occupation.

The so-called Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly was established in 2009 and has a total of 33 seats, including 24 general seats, six reserved seats for women and three reserved seats for technocrats and professionals.

Reiterating India's long-standing position, the MEA said the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including Gilgit-Baltistan, are integral and inalienable parts of the country.

"The entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including the so-called Gilgit-Baltistan, are integral and inalienable parts of India as a result of the complete, legal and irrevocable accession of Jammu & Kashmir to India in 1947," the MEA said.

India also accused Pakistan of attempting to divert attention from what it described as serious concerns in the region, including alleged human rights violations, political repression, economic exploitation and the denial of fundamental freedoms.

The government said such exercises could not alter the status of the territory or legitimise Pakistan's control over the region.

New Delhi further rejected any attempt by Pakistan to bring about material changes in areas under its control, asserting that Islamabad's actions could not conceal the fact that it continued to occupy Indian territory illegally.

India reiterated its demand that Pakistan vacate all territories under its illegal occupation.

The latest protest comes amid continuing tensions between the two neighbours over Jammu and Kashmir, with India consistently objecting to political and economic measures undertaken by Pakistan in territories claimed by New Delhi.

On May 26, India had strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement issued by China and Pakistan, asserting that the Union Territories "have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India."

The sharp response came amid renewed references to the Kashmir issue and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the joint statement issued by Beijing and Islamabad, after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded his visit to Beijing.

India reiterated its opposition to CPEC projects passing through Pakistan-occupied territories, saying such moves infringe upon India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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