NEW DELHI, June 9: India on Tuesday strongly condemned what it described as a brutal crackdown by Pakistani security forces on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where clashes have reportedly left more than 30 people dead and at least 200 injured.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it had received reports of severe police brutality resulting in multiple deaths and injuries among demonstrators.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called on the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for alleged human rights violations in the region.
He described the situation as an attempt by Pakistan to divert attention from its own failures and abuses.
The unrest erupted ahead of planned demonstrations organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society alliance that has been leading protests over economic and political grievances in PoK.
The group had called for protests against the reservation of 12 seats for refugees in the region’s July 27 legislative elections and had also raised concerns over internet shutdowns, inflation, unemployment, electricity shortages, alleged resource exploitation and political marginalisation.
Tensions escalated after authorities banned the JAAC last week, citing concerns over public order and security. Violent clashes broke out in Rawalakot on Sunday following the death of a trader who was allegedly shot during a confrontation with law enforcement officials.
JAAC members have rejected the decision to label the organisation a terrorist group, arguing that their movement is focused on securing legitimate economic and political rights.
The crackdown has also drawn criticism from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), which expressed serious concern over the use of anti-terrorism laws to outlaw the JAAC.
In a statement, the commission condemned excessive force, the deaths of civilians and security personnel, and the imposition of communication blackouts.
The HRCP stressed that while dialogue is necessary to resolve the crisis, meaningful engagement cannot occur amid continued political disenfranchisement.
It called for the protection of the right to peaceful protest and urged authorities to address public grievances transparently.
The developments have intensified scrutiny of the human rights situation and governance issues in PoK.
UK protest erupts over PoK killings
Kashmiri protesters staged a demonstration outside the Pakistani Consulate in Bradford, UK, on Tuesday to protest the killing of mourners in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where at least 11 people were reportedly killed during a security crackdown.
The protest came amid growing international concern over the situation in PoK and days after around 30 British MPs called for diplomatic intervention.
The unrest began after authorities banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which had organised demonstrations demanding subsidised flour, affordable electricity, economic relief and greater accountability from the government.
Protesters in Bradford accused Pakistani security forces of using excessive force against civilians, particularly in Rawalakot, where demonstrations have intensified since June 5.
Activists claimed that security operations over the past two days had resulted in more than 100 deaths and numerous injuries, though these figures remain contested.
The situation has also drawn attention from British lawmakers led by Imran Hussain, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir.
In a letter to the UK Foreign Office, the MPs cited reports of arrests, communication blackouts, restrictions on civil liberties and the detention of British nationals.
They urged the UK government to engage diplomatically to promote de-escalation, restore dialogue and encourage a peaceful resolution to the crisis in PoK. (Agencies)
