HighLights
  1. India condemns Pakistan's violent crackdown on PoJK civilians.
  2. Over 40 innocent people killed, many injured in protests.
  3. India urges international community to investigate and hold Pakistan accountable.

India on Friday accused Pakistan of carrying out a violent crackdown against civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the actions of the Pakistani establishment have resulted in the deaths of over 40 innocent people and left many others injured.

MEA Condemns Crackdown On Civilians

During a weekly press briefing, Jaiswal said the actions of the Pakistani authorities reflect their disregard for the people of PoJK. He alleged that the situation became more serious when Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described protesting civilians as “enemies.” He said the treatment of civilians by the Pakistani establishment shows a lack of concern for their rights and safety.

“The Pakistani establishment continues to unleash ruthless force against peaceful civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This crackdown has resulted in the tragic death of over 40 innocent people, and many more have been seriously injured. It is the establishment's absolute disdain for the innocent people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir that was laid bare when their Defence Minister branded the protesting civilians as enemies,” Jaiswal said.

ALSO READ: 'For God's Sake, Indian Army, Help Us': PoK Residents Plead Amid Violent Crackdown And Killings By Pak Forces

Jaiswal also referred to remarks by Pakistan’s Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on political affairs, who publicly admitted that groups once trained, funded, and armed by Pakistan had now turned against the state itself. He said these developments highlight the consequences of Pakistan’s past policies of supporting armed groups.

“The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on political affairs openly admitted that the very 'mujahideen' that the Pakistani establishment trained, funded, armed, and sent to India have now turned their guns inward, weaponising themselves against the state. The so-called elections stand as a humiliating rejection of the Pakistani establishment facing a violent regime," he added.

India Calls For International Probe

Jaiswal further said the elections in PoJK have become a rejection of the Pakistani establishment amid growing unrest. He mentioned that people in the region have called on international organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the alleged killings. Reiterating the same stance, Jaiswal also urged the international community to examine Pakistan’s actions and hold it accountable for what it described as violations against civilians.

“The people there have requested international organizations to conduct an independent investigation into the unlawful killings. We urge the international community to scrutinize Pakistan's actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities,” the MEA spokesperson added.

PoK Protests

Notably, a crackdown by Pakistani security forces on protesters in PoK over the past four days has reportedly killed more than 40 civilians and injured over 200 others. Among those killed was Usman Nazir, the brother of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) Central Committee member Umar Nazir.

ALSO READ: 'No Pakistani Kashmir, Only Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir': India Fact-Checks NYT's 'Misleading' Headline Propaganda


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