The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday reacted to the ongoing civilian protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). India has strongly condemned Pakistan’s actions in the region, calling for accountability for what it described as “horrific” human rights abuses.
Addressing the weekly press conference, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that these events are a direct result of Pakistan’s oppressive policies and its systematic exploitation of resources in the forcibly and illegally occupied territories. Notably, the protests which have erupted in several districts of PoJK, have seen civilian demonstrations against economic hardship, lack of basic services, and exploitation by the Pakistani authorities.
“We have seen reports on protests in several areas of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir, including brutalities by Pakistani forces on innocent civilians. We believe that it is a natural consequence of Pakistan’s oppressive approach and systemic plundering of resources from these territories, which remain under its forcible and illegal occupation. Pakistan must be held accountable for its horrific human rights violations,” Jaiswal said.
#WATCH | Delhi | MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We have seen reports on protests in several areas of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir, including brutalities by Pakistani forces on innocent civilians. We believe that it is a natural consequence of Pakistan’s… pic.twitter.com/KGrMfVrwE3
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The protests, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), centre around a 38-point charter of demands, with Muzaffarabad becoming the epicentre of the turmoil. These demands include political reforms, subsidised wheat flour, reduced electricity tariffs, free education and health facilities, and the end of perks for government officials.
Meanwhile, JKJAAC leader, Shaukar Nawaz Mir said, “This was a peaceful lockdown call by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Public Action Committee. All the citizens of Muzaffarabad were peacefully recording their protest on Neelum Bridge when a few people, some facilitators, facilitators of institutions, arrived with institutional weapons in the presence of the administration and police, and opened direct fire on our venue. We have evidence of this. As a result, one of our youth was martyred and more than 20 were injured by the direct fire. We will not forgive this murder under any circumstances.”
