PoK elections a sham, protests reflected people's will: MEA

New Delhi: Hitting out at the recently held elections in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said it was another farcical exercise by Pakistan to cover up their illegal occupation.

"PoK sham elections were another farcical exercise by Pakistan to cover up their illegal occupation. The protests in PoK are a reflection that people there have rejected Pakistan's exercise," MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup told the media.

On the arrest of Pakistan terrorist Bahadur Ali in Kupwara, Swarup said India is waiting for a full security report before deciding the next move.

"We are waiting for a full report from security agencies before deciding our next move," he said.

Locals alleged that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), headed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, rigged the July 21 polls that were held here, with the help of ISI.

Massive unrest was reported in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Chinari and Mirpur regions of PoK, where locals took to the streets alleging that genuine voters were prevented from voting, and also claimed that the elections results were tampered with.

The Ministry also clarified the row over three Chinese journalists being denied visa extensions, saying they were given short-term extension but it was not possible to extend them further.

"The visas of the three Chinese journalists had expired, we gave them short-term extensions but after that it was not possible. Also would like to confirm that we have no issues with the replacements that will be sent for them (Chinese journalists)," Swarup said.

Three Chinese journalists based in India representing the state-run Xinhua news agency were denied permission for extended stay in the country. The visas of the three journalists, Delhi-based Bureau Chief Wu Qiang and two reporters in Mumbai - Tang Lu and Ma Qiang, are expiring at July end. All three had sought extension of their stay by a few months till their successors arrive.