India Dismisses PoK Polls as Cosmetic Exercise

India on Tuesday rejected the ongoing local body elections in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) as a 'cosmetic electoral exercise' aimed at hiding Pakistan's illegal occupation and grave human rights violations. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that PoK, along with Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, is an integral part of India. The elections have been marred by violence, allegations of rigging, and widespread protests, reflecting deep discontent with Islamabad's policies, including economic exploitation and administrative oppression.