India Rejects Pakistan's 'Youm-e-Istehsal' Observance on Article 370, Highlights Unrest in PoK

India has strongly criticized Pakistan for once again marking the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 as "Youm-e-Istehsal" (Day of Exploitation), calling the observance an attempt to spread misleading narratives and divert international attention from Pakistan’s own human rights concerns and its alleged support for cross-border terrorism.

Responding to Pakistan’s statements, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the annual observance was nothing more than a politically motivated campaign aimed at promoting hostility against India. Reaffirming New Delhi’s long-standing position, he said Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh remain an integral and inseparable part of India, adding that Pakistan has no authority to comment on India’s internal affairs.

Jaiswal stressed that the constitutional changes introduced on August 5, 2019, including the revocation of Article 370 and the reorganization of the erstwhile state, were decisions taken entirely within India’s constitutional framework. According to him, the measures have contributed to better governance, stronger democratic participation, faster infrastructure development, and improved socio-economic opportunities for the people of the region.

The MEA also contrasted the situation in Jammu and Kashmir with developments in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), alleging that residents there continue to face restrictions on civil liberties and political freedoms. Jaiswal said recent incidents of violence, targeted killings, and action against peaceful protesters reflected the deteriorating human rights situation in the region. He accused Pakistan of attempting to project itself as a defender of Kashmiris while ignoring unrest and grievances in territories under its own control.

India further urged Pakistan to take meaningful action against terror groups operating from its soil and to address the concerns of people living in PoK instead of engaging in what it described as politically driven propaganda. Reiterating New Delhi’s long-standing position, Jaiswal said Pakistan should vacate the Indian territories that it continues to occupy illegally and focus on ending violence and instability in the region.

India’s response came as the country marked another anniversary of the August 5, 2019 constitutional changes. The government has consistently maintained that the decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status has accelerated development through expanded infrastructure projects, increased tourism, better public services, and greater investment. Officials say these changes have strengthened governance and opened new opportunities for residents across the Union Territory.

The MEA also referred to reports of continued protests in PoK, saying they reflect growing public dissatisfaction over economic hardship, governance issues, and restrictions on fundamental rights. India has repeatedly argued that electoral exercises conducted by Pakistan in the region cannot alter its legal position that the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK, is an integral part of India.

The latest diplomatic exchange once again underscores the sharp differences between New Delhi and Islamabad over Jammu and Kashmir. While Pakistan continues to criticize India’s decision to revoke Article 370, New Delhi maintains that the matter is entirely internal and has called on the international community to pay greater attention to the situation in Pakistan-administered territories rather than what it describes as Pakistan’s recurring attempts to internationalize the issue.