Politics

India’s Deputy Chairman Denounces Pakistan’s Kashmir Comments at IPU Meeting

By Divya A

At the 153rd Assembly of the Inter‑Parliamentary Union in Arusha, Tanzania, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh responded to remarks made by the Pakistani delegation about Jammu & Kashmir. Singh stated that Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India and that Pakistan has no right to comment on India’s internal affairs. He criticized the delegation for attempting to politicise the forum and for making baseless allegations, describing their actions as propaganda. Singh reaffirmed that the accession of Jammu & Kashmir to India was legal and irrevocable, and that Pakistan is in an illegal occupation of Indian territory. He highlighted progress in the region, noting a 58.5% voter turnout in the last general elections – the highest in 35 years – and a 63% turnout in the 2024 Assembly elections, as well as a record increase in tourism last year. Harivansh Singh arrived in Arusha on Sunday to lead the high‑level parliamentary delegation and attend the IPU sessions.