India has strongly condemned Pakistan’s crackdown on peaceful civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), urging the international community to hold Islamabad accountable for alleged human rights violations, unlawful killings, and violence against protesters as unrest continues across the occupied region.
India has strongly criticized Pakistan over its ongoing crackdown on peaceful civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), calling on the international community to closely examine Islamabad’s actions and hold it accountable for what New Delhi described as serious human rights violations and atrocities against innocent civilians.
Speaking during the Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal accused the Pakistani establishment of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators in PoJK. According to Jaiswal, the security crackdown has resulted in the deaths of more than 40 civilians while leaving many others critically injured.
“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,” Jaiswal said while responding to questions regarding the deteriorating situation in the region.
India also criticized remarks made by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who reportedly referred to the protesters as “enemies like India.” Jaiswal described the statement as evidence of the Pakistani government’s disregard for the people living in PoJK.
“It reflects the establishment’s absolute disdain for the innocent people of PoJK when peaceful protesters are branded as enemies,” he added.
The protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir have intensified in recent weeks, with thousands of residents participating in demonstrations and long marches organized by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Protesters have reportedly been demanding better governance, economic reforms, and an end to alleged state repression.
According to reports cited by Indian officials, Pakistani security forces have responded with force, leading to numerous casualties and widespread injuries. Several videos circulating on social media platforms allegedly show security personnel using firearms and force against peaceful demonstrators in various parts of the occupied territory.
One such incident reportedly occurred in Kotli, where videos shared online showed women protesters fleeing as police dispersed a peaceful rally. Similar incidents have also been reported from Rawalakot, Mirpur, and several other areas of PoJK.
India further highlighted comments made by Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant to Pakistan’s Prime Minister on Political Affairs, who reportedly acknowledged that militant groups once trained and supported by Pakistan had now turned against the state itself.
Referring to Sanaullah’s remarks, Jaiswal said they amounted to an open admission that Pakistan had previously trained, funded, armed, and sent militant groups across the border into India.
“Adding to this, the Special Assistant of 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,” Jaiswal stated.
The MEA spokesperson also claimed that recent political developments in PoJK reflected growing public dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s administration in the region. He asserted that people in the occupied territory have appealed to international organizations for an independent investigation into the alleged unlawful killings and human rights violations.
“We urge the international community to scrutinise Pakistan’s actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities,” Jaiswal said.
Meanwhile, local groups monitoring the protests have expressed deep concern over the escalating violence. According to these organizations, more than 100 people have reportedly been killed since June 5, while several hundred others have sustained critical injuries. They have also alleged that hundreds of individuals have been subjected to enforced disappearances by Pakistani security agencies during the ongoing unrest.
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The situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir continues to remain tense, with demonstrations spreading across multiple districts despite the reported security crackdown. International attention has increasingly focused on developments in the region, as calls grow for an impartial investigation into the allegations of excessive force, unlawful killings, and human rights abuses.
India has reiterated that the rights and safety of civilians must be protected and urged global institutions to closely monitor the evolving situation while ensuring accountability for any violations committed against peaceful protesters.
