British High Commissioner's visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir creates controversy; India with protests

SRINAGAR: India has criticized the actions of the British High Commissioner in Pakistan who visited various places in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Pak British High Commissioner Jane Marriott visited Mirpur district of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Jane posted about her visit on social media which led to severe criticism from the Union Ministry of External Affairs. The ministry's first response was that such violations are unacceptable.

India has taken 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 the 10th of this month. The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said that such infringement of India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unacceptable. Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra has lodged a strong protest with the British High Commissioner in India on this infringement. The Ministry stressed that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are, have been, and will always remain an integral part of India.

During the visit, Jane recalled that 70% of Pakistanis in Britain have roots in Mirpur. Jane Marriott also thanked the locals for their hospitality.

Earlier, India had reacted strongly to the incident of US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome's visit to Gilgit Baltistan in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. This was in October last year. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said that Pakistan Occupied Kashmir is an integral part of India and 24 seats have been reserved for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in these parts. The visit of the British High Commissioner of Pakistan has happened in the meantime.

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! pic.twitter.com/3LyNFQan9H

— Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) January 10, 2024