Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 28: India on Tuesday criticised attempts by Pakistan to invoke the legacy of the Indus Valley Civilisation, saying a country accused by New Delhi of promoting cross-border terrorism and religious fundamentalism cannot claim ownership of a pluralistic cultural heritage.
Addressing a media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted Pakistan's record on minority rights and cultural protection while responding to remarks from Pakistani leaders on a shared legacy.
"A country which has been promoting cross-border terrorism, which has been promoting religious fundamentalism and violence for decades, cannot have any claim to any pluralistic cultural legacy," Jaiswal said.
He added that Pakistan's record on protecting minorities and their cultural rights made such claims appear "phoney".
The remarks came after Pakistan's Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar said that the identity of Pakistan's people was linked to the banks and tributaries of the River Indus.
India also criticised the "so-called" assembly elections held in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), calling them a "cosmetic electoral exercise" aimed at concealing what it described as Pakistan's illegal occupation and human rights violations in the region.
Reiterating India's position on PoJK, Jaiswal said that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including areas under Pakistan's control, are integral parts of India.
"We have seen reports regarding the so-called assembly elections being conducted in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India's position on this matter has been clear, consistent and well-known," he said.
Jaiswal said the reported clashes, allegations of electoral irregularities and violence during the first phase of polling reflected the situation in the region.
He further stated that ongoing protests in PoJK were a result of economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights and administrative oppression.
The remarks came amid reports of violent clashes during a protest march organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in PoJK. Reports said several people were killed and many others injured during the unrest, while videos circulated on social media showed security personnel allegedly firing on protesters.