New Delhi: India on Friday said the elections held in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) stand as a “humiliating rejection” of the Pakistani Establishment, accusing Islamabad of unleashing ruthless force against peaceful civilians in the region.
Briefing media in New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the crackdown by Pakistani authorities has resulted in the deaths of over 40 civilians, with many others seriously injured. He said people facing the “violent regime” have appealed to international organisations for an independent investigation into the killings, which India has termed unlawful.
India urged the international community to scrutinise Pakistan’s actions in PoJK and hold it accountable for the atrocities committed against civilians there.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Called Protesters “Enemies,” Says MEA
The spokesperson said Pakistan’s disdain for the people of PoJK was evident when the country’s Defence Minister branded the protesting civilians as enemies. He further said the Special Assistant to the Pakistan Prime Minister on Political Affairs had openly admitted that the very “mujahideen” trained and armed by the Pakistani Establishment to target India have now turned their weapons against the Pakistani state itself.
India Reaffirms J&K and Ladakh Status
Mr Jaiswal reiterated that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India, stating that these territories “were part of India, are part of India, and will continue to be part of India.” He urged all partners and stakeholders to use the correct nomenclature while referring to the region.
Indian Nationals in Russian Army
On the issue of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army, the spokesperson said India has been following up with Russian authorities for the release of the remaining individuals. He said these efforts have secured the release of 139 Indian nationals so far, with New Delhi continuing to pursue the release of around two dozen more who reportedly joined and remain with the Russian army.
Mr Jaiswal cautioned citizens against job offers made by unscrupulous individuals or agencies that carry such risks.
MV AGV Ragnar Attack: Two Indians Missing
Responding to a query on the commercial vessel MV AGV Ragnar, which came under attack while leaving Odessa port on the 25th of this month, the spokesperson said two of the four Indian nationals on board are safe while two remain missing. He said India is in constant touch with authorities in both Ukraine and Romania, both of which have conducted search and rescue operations. The Ministry is also in touch with the families of the missing nationals, offering all possible assistance.
Deportations from the US
On the deportation of Indian nationals from the United States, Mr Jaiswal said 1,260 Indians have been deported in 2026 so far, compared to 3,567 Indian nationals deported through the whole of last year.
Response on Amnesty Report
Replying to a question on a report by Amnesty International, the spokesperson said India has a robust legal and regulatory framework governing strategic trade controls. He said India’s export of dual-use items and technologies to other countries is carried out in accordance with national laws and in line with its international obligations.
Read More: Supreme Court to Examine Protocol on Pellet Guns for Crowd Control
Follow for more updates: www.instagram.com/imnindia.news/
Leave a comment