"No Pakistani Kashmir, only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir": India calls out NYT over "misleading" headline
Washington, DC, July 30
India has strongly objected to The New York Times for describing Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as "Pakistani Kashmir", reaffirming that the territory remains an integral part of the country.
Taking exception to the headline used in a recent report by the American newspaper, the Indian Embassy in the United States described the terminology as "misleading and incorrect".
In a post on X, the embassy said, "There is no Pakistani Kashmir, only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir".
Reiterating New Delhi's long-standing position, the diplomatic mission stated that the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are, and will "always remain an integral and inalienable part of India".
The embassy further accused Islamabad of illegally holding onto parts of these territories, alleging that Pakistan continues "using violence against the occupied people".
The Indian response followed a report published by The New York Times covering recent unrest and local elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The newspaper reported that violence broke out in Mirpur after security forces clashed with members of the Joint Awami Action Committee, a civil rights outfit demonstrating against alleged police excesses.
According to the American daily, at least two individuals died from gunshot injuries in the latest wave of confrontations. The report also highlighted a demand from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan for an impartial inquiry into the fatal incidents.
The New York Times added that weeks of turbulence have resulted in multiple fatalities and impacted the electoral process across the region. It noted claims by the Joint Awami Action Committee that several of its members were killed in police confrontations, while clarifying that such assertions could not be independently verified or officially confirmed.
India has consistently maintained its sovereign jurisdiction over the entire region, underlining that both Union Territories form an inseparable part of the nation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, whether you call it "Pakistani Kashmir" or "Pakistan-occupied Kashmir," the ground reality for the people living there is tragic. Two people died in clashes, and there's a demand for an impartial inquiry. Instead of getting caught up in semantics, shouldn't we be talking about the human rights violations happening on both sides of the border? Just saying... 🤔
Exactly, Arjun! The term "Pakistani Kashmir" gives legitimacy to an illegal occupation. Pakistan has been holding those territories by force since 1947, and the people there are suffering under their oppressive rule. The NYT needs to get its facts straight – there is no such thing as "Pakistani Kashmir." It's Indian territory, illegally occupied. Period.
As an outsider looking in, this whole naming debate seems like a distraction. The real story here is about violence, police brutality, and a community demanding accountability. Two people are dead, and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan is calling for an inquiry. Maybe focus on that instead of what a headline says? Just my two cents from the US.
The Indian Embassy did the right thing by correcting the NYT. But I do agree with Sneha – we also need to address the human suffering. The people in PoK are caught between Pakistani militarization and Indian claims. It's heartbreaking to see, whoever is in control. Abki baar, let's talk about peace and justice for all Kashmiris, not just the politics. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.