India Condemns Pakistan's Violent Crackdown on Protesters in PoK: "Must Be Held Accountable for Human Rights Violations"

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has expressed deep concern over the continuing violence in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

New Delhi:

India strongly condemned Pakistan on Friday for its harsh crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), stating that Pakistan must face accountability for its "horrific" human rights violations.

During recent days of protests and violent confrontations in PoK, at least 10 people lost their lives and numerous others sustained injuries.

The demonstrators are calling for fundamental rights, justice, and the cessation of what they describe as systematic oppression.

"We have observed reports regarding protests across various regions of Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including acts of brutality committed by Pakistani forces against innocent civilians," stated External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

"We consider this a natural result of Pakistan's oppressive policies and systematic exploitation of resources from these territories, which continue to remain under its forcible and unlawful occupation," he added.

Jaiswal was addressing a question during his weekly press briefing.

"Pakistan must be held accountable for its horrific human rights violations," he emphasized.

Jaiswal affirmed that Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh have always been and will continue to be an "integral part" of India.

On Friday, negotiators appointed by Pakistan's federal government engaged in discussions with representatives of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

Talks between the JAAC and representatives from both the federal and PoK governments collapsed last week.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) stated it is "deeply alarmed by the ongoing violence" in PoK.

"We strongly condemn the use of excessive force and the deaths of civilians and law enforcers alike, as well as communication blackouts," the commission posted on X.

"The right to peaceful protest must be upheld and grievances addressed transparently," it declared.