India has strongly rebuked Pakistan’s latest attempt to mark the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 as “Youm-e-Istehsal” or day of exploitation.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed the move as a desperate manoeuvre designed to spread fabrications and divert global attention from Islamabad’s poor human rights record and its role as a sanctuary for terrorism.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described Pakistan’s observance of Youm-e-Istehsal as political absurdity and a futile exercise aimed at propagating hostility against India. He reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir, along with Ladakh, are integral and indivisible parts of India.

Jaiswal emphasised that the constitutional changes made on 5 August 2019 were entirely an internal matter of India. He noted that these decisions had ushered in socio-economic development, good governance, and democratic empowerment for the people of the region. He stressed that Pakistan had no locus standi to comment on matters strictly internal to India.

The MEA highlighted the stark contrast between India’s administrative progress and Pakistan’s repression in territories under its illegal control. Jaiswal pointed out that the international community was witnessing brutal suppression of fundamental rights in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), where recent weeks had seen lethal violence, targeted killings, and draconian bans imposed on peaceful civil rights protests.

He accused Islamabad of orchestrating diplomatic theatre while simultaneously fostering cross-border militancy. Jaiswal urged Pakistan to stop the bloodshed in PoK, take credible and irreversible action against terror networks operating from its soil, and vacate all Indian territories under its illegal occupation. He asserted that the world was not fooled by such orchestrated spectacles.

India’s response coincided with the anniversary of the 2019 constitutional changes that revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s temporary special status. Over the past seven years, the region has recorded steady progress in infrastructure, education, tourism, and civic administration. This stands in sharp contrast to PoK, which remains plagued by civil unrest, security crackdowns, and continuous agitation against state repression.

New Delhi has repeatedly exposed the cosmetic electoral exercises in PoK, describing them as a façade to disguise unlawful occupation and ongoing human rights abuses. Jaiswal reiterated that the ongoing mass protests in PoK were a direct consequence of economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression by Pakistan.

Independent reports have noted that protests in PoK have intensified, with widespread demands for accountability and international intervention. Amnesty International and other rights groups have condemned Pakistan’s violent suppression, calling for transparent investigations into unlawful killings. Diaspora communities have also staged demonstrations abroad, drawing attention to the plight of civilians in PoK.

India’s firm stance underscores its consistent position that Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK, is an inseparable part of the nation. The MEA’s remarks highlight New Delhi’s determination to expose Pakistan’s duplicity and to press for global scrutiny of its actions.

ANI