India slams Pakistan over Human Rights Violations in PoK

New Delhi, Oct 3: India has urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for what it described as “horrific human rights violations” in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), even as violent protests and crackdowns continue across the region.

Addressing the media at his weekly briefing on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the unrest was a direct result of Pakistan’s policies. “We have seen reports of protests in Pakistan-occupied J&K, including brutality by Pakistani forces on innocent civilians. This is a natural consequence of Pakistan’s oppressive approach and systematic plundering of resources from these territories, which remain under its forceful and illegal occupation. Pakistan must be held accountable for its horrifying human rights violations,” Jaiswal stated.

The protests, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), began on Monday over rising electricity tariffs, poor healthcare, and lavish perks enjoyed by ruling politicians. They quickly escalated into violent clashes with police and paramilitary forces, leaving nine dead — six civilians and three policemen, according to official AFP figures, though some media reports suggest up to 12 deaths. More than 170 policemen and at least 50 civilians were injured, while protest organisers claim civilian casualties are higher.

On Friday, Pakistani authorities deployed additional paramilitary troops in Muzaffarabad and surrounding areas to prevent large gatherings after afternoon prayers. Sporadic protests continued despite the crackdown, with several arrests reported. Internet and mobile phone services have been suspended since earlier this week, and local media have been warned against reporting on the unrest.

AFP reporters described bloodstained streets in Muzaffarabad earlier this week, “littered with spent bullet casings, shards of glass, and scattered stones.” Thousands of locals joined marches at the peak of the agitation, chanting anti-government slogans, torching buildings, and enforcing shutdowns. Schools and markets remain closed, and residents allege police fired directly at demonstrators and harassed journalists. Funerals of the deceased have themselves turned into fresh rallies.

Analysts note the scale of these protests draws parallels with movements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where citizens have long accused Islamabad of neglect and exploitation. With tensions high, authorities have intensified patrols to prevent further flare-ups after Friday prayers.