New Delhi, July 29: India has firmly responded to Pakistan’s claims regarding the Indus Valley Civilization. The Indian government stated that a nation promoting cross-border terrorism and religious extremism cannot assert rights over any pluralistic cultural heritage.
During a bi-weekly press briefing on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted Pakistan’s poor record in protecting minorities and their cultural identities.
When asked about the voices in Pakistan regarding the shared heritage, Jaiswal remarked, “A country that has promoted cross-border terrorism, religious extremism, and violence for decades cannot claim any pluralistic cultural heritage. Its record on protecting minorities and their cultural rights is extremely poor, making such efforts appear superficial.”
Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, had stated that the identity of the Pakistani people is linked to the banks of the Indus River and its tributaries.
India also criticized Pakistan regarding the assembly elections being held in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), labeling it a mere façade. The Indian government asserted that these elections are an attempt to conceal its illegal occupation and divert attention from serious human rights violations in the region.
Jaiswal reiterated India’s stance on POJK, emphasizing that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including areas illegally occupied by Pakistan, are integral and inseparable parts of India.
He stated, “We have seen reports about the so-called assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India’s position on this issue has always been clear and well-known. The entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including those areas currently under illegal Pakistani occupation, are integral and inseparable parts of India. This sham electoral process is merely an attempt by Pakistan to hide its illegal occupation and the serious human rights violations occurring there.”
Local media reports indicate that violent clashes, allegations of election rigging, and the deaths of political activists have created a tense atmosphere during the first phase of elections in POJK. Parties in the coalition have accused each other of influencing the electoral process.
The MEA spokesperson noted that the ongoing protests in POJK are a direct result of Pakistan’s economic policies and the deprivation of fundamental rights for its people.
Jaiswal remarked, “As we have stated before, the large-scale protests occurring in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which you may have recently witnessed, are a direct consequence of Pakistan’s economic exploitation, the deprivation of fundamental rights, and administrative repression.”
Reports indicate that at least 20 people have died and several others have been seriously injured during a long march organized by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in POJK. Meanwhile, there are reports of Pakistani authorities intensifying actions against protesters. Videos have surfaced on social media allegedly showing Pakistani security forces firing on civilians.
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