The Union Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday asked Pakistan to refrain from meddling in India's internal affairs, reported The Indian Express. The statement came two days after the country observed ‘Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan Day’ on July 19, which the government said exposes Islamabad's longing for the territory.

“India asks Pakistan to stop inciting and supporting violence and terrorism in any part of the country. Pak must also stop misleading the international community and Kashmiris through meaningless exercises such as the so-called elections today in PoK which Pakistan ironically calls ‘Azad’ [free],” read a statement released by the ministry. The ministry, which is headed by Sushma Swaraj, also asked Pakistan to ensure security of the High Commission, all its officials and their families in the country.

On July 20, Sharif had said, “Today we are observing Black Day to express solidarity with Kashmiris and are giving a strong message to the world that Pakistanis are with them [Kashmiris] for their struggle to get their rights.”