'Hold Pakistan responsible': India's global appeal over use of force against PoK protests

India called on the international community to hold Pakistan responsible for its actions in PoK.

Addressing the ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the excessive force used against civilians.

Speaking at a weekly press conference, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India calls on the international community to hold Pakistan responsible for its actions in PoK.

“The ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are a direct consequence of Pakistan's decades-long systemic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression in the territories under its illegal and forcible occupation," said Jaiswal.

The MEA spokesperson condemned the use of excessive police brutality to curb protests, including action against helpless people, including women and children.

“Essential supplies such as food and medicines have been blocked, internet blackouts have been imposed, and lethal force has been used against unarmed civilians, resulting in several tragic deaths, as you are aware. We expect and hope that the international community will hold Pakistan fully accountable for these grave abuses,” Jaiswal added.

As per reports, protests in PoK have been driven by economic hardship. The protests, which call for accountability from the Pakistan government, call for subsidised rates of wheat flour, electricity and more. The protests are also in opposition to a controversial court ruling that upheld 12 reserved assembly seats for migrants settling in Pakistan. Similar demonstrations were also reported in the region last year.

However, the latest wave of demonstrations has been led by the Pakistani government's ban on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) under anti-terrorism laws.

Following the ban, JAAC leader Sardar Aman Khan has also called for help from India.

"We need India's help. There is a shortage of rations... and we need your help," Khan was heard saying in a widely circulated video on social media.

HT could not independently verify the video's authenticity, which is reportedly from a June 30 rally.

Meanwhile, miles away from PoK, members of the Jammu and Kashmir community also carried out protests in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia, calling on the US government to intervene amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.