PoJK polls a ‘cosmetic exercise’ to mask illegal occupation, says MEA

The ministry reiterated that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas under Pakistan's control, are integral and inalienable parts of India, news agency PTI reported.

Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India's position on the region has remained "clear, consistent, and well known."

"We have seen reports regarding the so-called legislative assembly elections being conducted in the Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India's position in this particular matter has been clear, consistent, and well known. The entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas currently under illegal occupation and forcible occupation of Pakistan, are integral and inalienable parts of India," Jaiswal said, according to the report.