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'Hold Pakistan responsible': India's global appeal over use of force against PoJK protests
India called on the international community to hold Pakistan responsible for its actions in PoK.
India on Tuesday urged the world community to hold Pakistan accountable for what it said were “egregious abuses” committed by authorities during a crackdown on widespread public protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
The region, which is claimed by India, has witnessed massive protests since last month over high living costs, administrative apathy and political discrimination. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which is spearheading the protests, has demanded the abolition of seats in the local assembly reserved for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir.
Tensions have escalated because of a sweeping crackdown by security forces, and more than 20 people, including protesters and police personnel, have died in violence. The JAAC has been banned under an anti-terrorism law.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a regular media briefing that India expects the international community to “hold Pakistan fully accountable for these egregious abuses and misdeeds”.
“The ongoing protests in PoJK 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,” he said.
“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.”
The JAAC has called for a “long march” to Muzaffarabad city on July 15. This follows the expiry of its ultimatum to the Pakistan government for the release of detained leaders, implementation of its charter of demands and an end to the security crackdown.
The JAAC has also warned that it may escalate the protest beyond its existing 38-point charter after July 14, signalling a broader political movement.
People familiar with the matter said the planned “long march” represents a significant escalation in the ongoing protests and could intensify political instability across PoJK, challenging the Pakistani government's administrative control over the region.
