Violence overshadowed the first phase of PoJK polls. (Image: ANI)
The Indian Embassy in the United States has strongly objected to The New York Times over its description of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) as “Pakistani Kashmir” in a report on the ongoing unrest in the region, calling the headline “misleading and incorrect.”
The criticism came after the newspaper published a report titled “Clashes Erupt in Pakistani Kashmir as Voting in Local Election Begins,” covering violence that erupted during the local election process in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Responding on X, the Indian Embassy rejected the terminology used by the publication and reiterated India’s long-standing position on the region.
“Misleading and incorrect headline by @nytimes. There is no Pakistani Kashmir, only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir,” the embassy said.
Misleading and incorrect headline by @nytimes. There is no Pakistani Kashmir, only Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
The Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, have been, are and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India. Pakistan has illegally occupied…
— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) July 29, 2026
It further asserted that the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India, including the territories currently under Pakistan’s illegal occupation.
The embassy also accused Pakistan of continuing its unlawful occupation of parts of the region while using force against civilians.
“Pakistan has illegally occupied parts of these territories and is now using violence against the occupied people,” it said.
Crackdown during PoJK protests
The statement comes amid escalating unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where protests coincided with the local election process.
According to government sources, Pakistani security forces launched a crackdown on demonstrators, leaving more than 30 civilians dead and at least 33 others injured.
The protests have been led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been raising issues related to rising inflation, governance, alleged political discrimination and the treatment of minority communities in the region.
As part of its agitation, the JAAC organised a long march from Rawalakote to Muzaffarabad, during which security personnel allegedly used lethal force against protesters.
India rejects PoJK elections
India has consistently rejected Pakistan’s electoral exercises in the region, maintaining that they have no legal validity.
Earlier this week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir as a “cosmetic electoral exercise” aimed at legitimising Pakistan’s illegal occupation while concealing what India called grave human rights violations in the region.
Government reports said the security crackdown has drawn condemnation from several local organisations, including the Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JKNSF).
The JAAC has also appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and international human rights organisations, seeking an independent investigation into the alleged killings, an immediate halt to the use of lethal force against protesters and accountability for those responsible.
According to the reports, Pakistani security forces continue to maintain a heavy deployment in Rawalakote, Muzaffarabad and other major towns to prevent further demonstrations.
The boycott of the local elections by several groups, the sources added, reflects growing public dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s administration in the region and declining confidence in the electoral process.
