India has registered a strong protest with the UK over the visit to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) by its High Commissioner to Islamabad along with another British official.
The ministry of external affairs said such “infringement” of India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is “unacceptable”, reports PTI.
“India has taken a serious note of the highly objectionable visit of the British High Commissioner in Islamabad, along with a UK Foreign Office official, to Pakistan occupied Kashmir on January 10,” it said.
“Foreign Secretary has lodged a strong protest with the British High Commissioner in India on this infringement,” the MEA said.
“The Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are, have been and shall always remain an integral part of India,” it said in a statement.
Earlier, Sharing some photos from her visit to Mirpur in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Ms Marriott had posted on X, “Salaam from Mirpur, the heart of the UK and Pakistan’s people-to-people ties! 70% of British Pakistani roots are from Mirpur, making our work together crucial for diaspora interests. Thank you for your hospitality!”
This incident follows a similar concern raised by India in October of the previous year when the US Ambassador to Islamabad visited Gilgit-Baltistan in PoK, reports NDTV. The Ministry of External Affairs had urged the global community to respect India’s sovereignty. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking in Parliament, emphasized India’s claim over PoK, stating that it is an integral part of the country, and 24 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly are reserved for representatives from PoK.
