India Condemns Pakistan's Actions in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Amid Rising Tensions
India's Strong Response to Pakistan's Actions
File image of Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal. (Photo:@airnewsalerts/X)
New Delhi, June 9: On Tuesday, India expressed strong disapproval of the Pakistani government's "brutality" towards individuals in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK), accusing Islamabad of trying to mask its shortcomings and divert attention from reported human rights violations in the area.
During a weekly media briefing, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated that Pakistan is engaging in misinformation tactics to distract from the ongoing issues in the territory it governs.
“We continue to observe a trend of fabricated news and videos originating from Pakistan. This is a desperate maneuver by Pakistan to obscure its own failures and shift focus away from its human rights violations,” Jaiswal remarked.
He highlighted reports of violence against protesters, indicating that India is monitoring the situation closely and calling on the international community to take notice.
“There are accounts of severe police brutality in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries among protesters. We expect the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for its actions and abuses,” he added.
These comments followed reports indicating that over 20 individuals had died and many more were injured during police actions against demonstrators in various regions of PoK, where tensions have surged due to a growing anti-government movement.
The recent unrest is linked to an escalating protest movement led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been organizing demonstrations across PoK addressing various political and governance issues.
Reports suggest that at least 12 individuals, including eight protesters and four security personnel, lost their lives in violent confrontations between JAAC supporters and law enforcement in Rawalakot, which has become the focal point of the protests.
Additionally, several others, including members of the security forces, sustained injuries.
In a recent development, the PoK administration designated the JAAC as a banned organization under anti-terrorism laws just before its planned protest on June 9, escalating tensions in the area.
Authorities are reported to have initiated a crackdown on activists associated with the group, and internet services in parts of PoK were allegedly suspended starting June 5, disrupting communication and heightening public discontent.
The protests have expanded beyond Rawalakot, with reports of demonstrations, shutdowns, and road blockades occurring in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Tata Pani, and Plandari.
Protest leaders have accused security forces of employing excessive force against demonstrators, particularly following the deaths of JAAC activists Shahzaib Habib and Amjid Kashmiri amid the ongoing turmoil.
As the situation remains precarious, security measures have been intensified across various regions of PoK due to concerns of further escalation.