India on Wednesday rejected Pakistan's observance of "Youm-e-Istehsal" marking the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, calling Islamabad's remarks a political exercise aimed at spreading what it described as "malicious propaganda". The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Pakistan's attempts to comment on Jammu and Kashmir were interference in India's internal affairs and were intended to divert attention from its own record on human rights and terrorism.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to remarks made by Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, stating that India "categorically rejects" what it called the "political absurdity and futile attempts" by Pakistan to observe the day. He said the constitutional changes introduced on August 5, 2019, were entirely an internal matter of India and had resulted in socio-economic development, improved governance and greater democratic empowerment in the region.

India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution on August 5, 2019, and reorganised the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Since then, Pakistan has observed the anniversary as Youm-e-Istehsal, or Day of Exploitation, criticising India's decision. Jaiswal reiterated New Delhi's position that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India.

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The MEA spokesperson also accused Pakistan of attempting to shift international attention away from issues related to terrorism and human rights. Referring to developments in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), Jaiswal alleged that Pakistani security forces had used force against civil rights protesters and imposed restrictions to suppress public demonstrations. He said the international community was witnessing what he described as violations of fundamental rights in the region.

Jaiswal urged Pakistan to focus on addressing violence in PoJK, take verifiable action against terror networks operating from its territory and vacate areas that India claims are under illegal occupation. He said the global community was not influenced by what he termed "orchestrated spectacles" and called for Pakistan to adopt constructive measures instead of making statements on India's internal matters.

Earlier, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a message issued on Wednesday, claimed that India's 2019 decision had affected regional peace and stability and impacted the lives of people in Kashmir. He called for steps to create conditions for resolving the Kashmir issue. India, however, maintained that matters related to Jammu and Kashmir remain solely within its domestic jurisdiction.

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