New Delhi : In a media briefing on Tuesday External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) as a “cosmetic electoral exercise” designed to mask Pakistan’s illegal occupation, human rights abuses, and administrative oppression. Reaffirming that Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh remain integral parts of India,
Jaiswal noted that Pakistan’s history of cross-border terrorism not only stymies SAARC cooperation but also invalidates its claims to a pluralistic heritage like the Indus Valley civilization. Addressing other pressing matters, he confirmed that search efforts are ongoing for two missing Indian crew members following an attack on the ship MV AGN Ragnar at Ukraine’s Odesa port, announced the reopening of border trade with China via the Lipulekh, Shipki La, and Nathu La passes, and reiterated India’s resolve to extradite fugitive Nirav Modi once UK legal proceedings conclude.
