MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India rejected the reported elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, calling the exercise a “cosmetic electoral exercise” and reiterating New Delhi’s position that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, including areas under Pakistan’s control, are an integral part of India. Jaiswal also rejected Pakistan’s response to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s Kargil Vijay Diwas remarks, describing Islamabad’s statement as “baseless and hollow.”

India stated Pakistan's local body elections in PoK are a camouflage for illegal occupation. The ongoing elections are also an attempt to hide grave human rights violations. …

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal's remarks came amid continuing protests in PoJK, where demonstrators have alleged widespread electoral rigging. | India News