India Alleges Rights Violations in PoJK, Calls for Global Accountability

India on Friday urged the international community to closely examine Pakistan's alleged crackdown on peaceful protesters in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and hold Islamabad accountable for what it described as serious human rights violations.

Addressing a regular media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Pakistani establishment had continued to use "ruthless force" against civilians protesting in the region. He claimed that more than 40 people had been killed and several others injured since July 27, when security forces launched a crackdown amid local-body elections in PoJK.

PoJK has witnessed widespread demonstrations in recent weeks, with residents protesting against rising living costs, alleged administrative neglect, political discrimination, and reported atrocities against minorities. The protests have largely been spearheaded by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

Jaiswal alleged that Pakistan's response to the demonstrations reflected a disregard for the rights and welfare of the local population. He also criticised remarks attributed to Pakistan's defence minister, saying they exposed the government's attitude toward the protesters.

Referring to comments made by Pakistan's Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Jaiswal claimed they amounted to an admission that militants once trained and armed by the Pakistani establishment had turned against the state itself.

Calling the recently held local-body elections a "humiliating rejection" of the Pakistani establishment, the MEA spokesperson said the unrest highlighted growing public dissatisfaction in the region.

He further noted that protesters had appealed to international organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the reported killings. India, he said, believes the international community should scrutinise Pakistan's actions and ensure accountability for the alleged atrocities.

Pakistan has not publicly responded to India's latest remarks. The situation in PoJK remains tense, with reports of continued protests and heightened security deployment in several areas.