The government on Tuesday said the ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) were the result of Pakistan's decades-long "systemic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights and administrative oppression", and urged the international community to hold Islamabad accountable for alleged human rights violations in the region.
Responding to a question during the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the unrest reflected the long-standing grievances of people living under what India described as Pakistan's "illegal and forcible occupation".
"The ongoing protests in POK are a direct consequence of Pakistan's decades-long systemic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation," Jaiswal said.
POK has witnessed widespread demonstrations in recent weeks over rising living costs, administrative neglect, political discrimination and alleged atrocities against minorities. Reports have also indicated clashes between protesters and security forces, with allegations of police brutality resulting in deaths and injuries.
Jaiswal accused Pakistan of suppressing dissent instead of addressing the concerns of the people, alleging that the authorities had used excessive force against demonstrators.
"Rather than addressing the legitimate grievances of the local populace, the Pakistani state has responded with extreme police brutality, including against helpless women and children, blocking essential supplies, including food and medicine, enforcing internet blackouts, and deploying lethal force against unarmed civilians that has resulted in tragic fatalities," he said.
The MEA spokesperson said India expects the international community to take note of the developments and hold Pakistan accountable for what he described as "egregious abuses and misdeeds" in POK.
"We expect the international community to hold Pakistan fully accountable for these egregious abuses and misdeeds," Jaiswal added.
The latest round of protests began over the reservation of 12 seats in the POK Assembly for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir living elsewhere in Pakistan. Protesters contend that the move weakens the political representation of local residents.
The demonstrations subsequently expanded into a broader anti-government movement, with participants voicing concerns over corruption, poor governance, rising inflation and economic hardships.
Large-scale protests have been reported in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Mirpur and other parts of the region. According to Reuters, the territory has witnessed its deadliest unrest in years, with at least 24 people killed during nearly two weeks of protests. The demonstrations also led to a region-wide shutdown, disrupting normal life.
In response, authorities deployed additional security personnel, suspended internet services in parts of the region and launched a crackdown on protest leaders. The government banned the Joint Awami Action Committee, detained several of its members and filed sedition charges against some of its leaders.
