India Demands Accountability for PoK Atrocities
India has issued a strong condemnation of Pakistan's actions in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), asserting that Islamabad must be held accountable for 'horrific' human rights violations against innocent protesters. The statement, delivered by External Affairs Ministry (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at a weekly media briefing on Friday, October 3, 2025, highlighted widespread unrest and alleged brutalities by Pakistani forces in the region.
Jaiswal stated, 'We have seen reports on protests in several areas of Pakistan occupied Jammu & Kashmir, including brutalities by Pakistani forces on innocent civilians.' He further elaborated that India views the unrest as a 'natural consequence of Pakistan's oppressive approach and its systemic plundering of resources from these territories, which remain under its forcible and illegal occupation.' India reiterated its long-standing position that Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK, remains an 'inalienable part' of India.
Widespread Protests and Crackdown
The condemnation follows a period of intense protests and violent clashes that erupted in PoK late last month, specifically around September 29. These demonstrations, spearheaded by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), have seen thousands take to the streets across various areas, including Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Neelum Valley, and Rawalakot.
Protesters have voiced a range of grievances, demanding:
- An end to 'elite privileges' for government officials and ministers.
- The scrapping of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir.
- Political reforms.
- Subsidized food items and lower electricity bills.
- Free education and healthcare facilities.
Reports indicate that the Pakistani security forces have responded with 'excessive force,' leading to a brutal crackdown. Casualties include at least 10 to 12 deaths, encompassing both civilians and police personnel, with scores more injured. A complete communications blackout, including telecommunications and internet access, has been imposed in the region since September 28.
Pakistan's Response and HRCP Concerns
In response to the escalating unrest, Pakistan's federal government dispatched a high-level delegation to Muzaffarabad to engage in talks with representatives of the JAAC. These negotiations reportedly led to an agreement aimed at ending the demonstrations, which includes provisions for compensation, new educational boards, health facilities, electricity funds, and a reduced government size. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had expressed 'deep concern' over the deteriorating law and order situation in PoK.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), an independent watchdog, has also condemned the situation, expressing alarm over the 'use of excessive force and the deaths of civilians and law enforcers alike,' while also criticizing the communication blackouts. The HRCP emphasized that dialogue 'cannot be meaningful amid the continued political disenfranchisement of the region's people.'
6 Comments
ZmeeLove
It's about time India called out Pakistan's atrocities in PoK. Unacceptable human rights abuses!
Habibi
Every country has protests. India is just trying to destabilize the region.
ZmeeLove
Pakistan is negotiating with protestors. India is just stirring trouble.
BuggaBoom
Human rights violations, wherever they occur, must be condemned. However, India's statement, while valid on the surface, also serves a geopolitical agenda, making it difficult to separate genuine concern from strategic interest.
Africa
This is just political posturing. India should focus on its internal issues.
Leonardo
While the reports of excessive force are deeply concerning, India's historical claims also complicate the narrative. The focus should be on the suffering of the local populace, regardless of political borders.