’There is no Pakistani Kashmir’: Indian Embassy flags incorrect NYT report on PoK unrest
Mangalore Today News Network
New Delhi, Jul 30, 2026: The Indian Embassy in the US on Wednesday criticised The New York Times over its report on unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling it “misleading and incorrect".
The newspaper’s report carried the headline “Clashes Erupt in Pakistani Kashmir as Voting in Local Election Begins“, referring to violent clashes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during local elections.
“Misleading and incorrect headline by @nytimes. There is no Pakistani Kashmir, only Pakistan occupied Kashmir," the Indian Embassy said in a post on X, objecting to the terminology used in the headline.
It added that the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh “have been, are and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India".
Misleading and incorrect headline by @nytimes. There is no Pakistani Kashmir, only Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) July 29, 2026
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…
“Pakistan has illegally occupied parts of these territories and is now using violence against the occupied people," the embassy said.
Over 30 Killed In Brutal Police Crackdown
The statement came as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir witnessed protests and clashes between demonstrators and security forces during the local election process.
According to government sources, more than 30 civilians were killed and over 33 others injured during a crackdown by Pakistani security forces on protesters.
The protests have been led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has raised concerns over rising living costs, administrative issues, alleged political discrimination and treatment of minority communities.
The group organised a long march from Rawalakote to Muzaffarabad, during which security forces allegedly used lethal force against protesters, according to the sources.
India Condemns Action
New Delhi on Tuesday described the elections in PoK as an attempt by Islamabad to camouflage its illegal occupation and hide its “grave" human rights violations in the region.
Pakistani security forces used lethal force against the protesters during JAAC’s long march from Rawalakote to Muzaffarabad and the crackdown reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 30 civilians and left over 33 protesters injured, the sources said.
The JAAC has officially appealed to United Nations Human Rights Council and international rights organisations for an immediate, independent investigation into the unlawful killings, immediate halt of lethal force and accountability for any excessive or unlawful use of force.
Organisations like Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JKNSF) have openly condemned the repression, the sources said.
They said the security forces continue to maintain a heightened presence in Rawalakote, Muzaffarabad and other major areas to prevent any gatherings.
The election boycott call is an evidence of declining public confidence in the political process and continued dissatisfaction with the administration, the sources said.