Srinagar, Jun 05 (KNO): India on Friday lodged a strong protest against Pakistan's decision to hold elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, asserting that the region forms an integral part of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and remains under Pakistan's illegal occupation.
Responding to media queries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including Gilgit-Baltistan, are an inseparable part of India by virtue of the legal accession of the erstwhile princely state in 1947.
Pertinently, Pakistan is scheduled to hold elections to the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly on June 7. The assembly comprises 33 seats, including reserved seats for women and technocrats.
“The Government of India categorically rejects any attempts by Pakistan to bring material changes to areas under its illegal and forcible occupation,” the MEA said in a statement.
The ministry maintained that such exercises cannot alter India's position regarding the territory and urged Pakistan to vacate the areas under its control.
New Delhi also accused Islamabad of attempting to divert attention from what it described as serious concerns in the region, including alleged political repression, economic exploitation and violations of fundamental rights.
According to the MEA, electoral processes or administrative measures undertaken by Pakistan in the occupied territories do not change the legal status of these regions.
India has consistently opposed elections and constitutional changes undertaken by Pakistan in territories it claims as part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the MEA also provided an update on the victims of the recent hotel fire in south Delhi, saying 13 foreign nationals were among the 21 people killed in the incident.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the deceased included four citizens of Nigeria, three from Kyrgyzstan, and one each from Mozambique, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Congo, Liberia and Iraq.
India is in contact with the embassies concerned and is facilitating documentation, consular assistance and medical support for those affected, he said.
Jaiswal added that around 20 to 22 foreign nationals sustained injuries in the blaze and are receiving necessary assistance from authorities—(KNO)