India says ‘Pakistan fully accountable’ for ‘egregious abuses’ and ‘systemic exploitation’ in PoK

India on Tuesday slammed Pakistan over the ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), saying the unrest was the result of Islamabad's "decades-long systemic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression" in the region under its "illegal and forcible occupation."

In a strongly worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the protests reflected the growing frustration of people living under Pakistan's control, blaming Islamabad for years of repression instead of addressing their concerns.

India accuses Pakistan of rights abuses

The MEA said that Pakistan had responded to the demonstrators with "excessive police brutality" rather than engaging with their legitimate grievances.

According to the statement, the crackdown included action against "unarmed women and children," restrictions on the supply of essential items such as food and medicine, internet shutdowns, and the use of lethal force against unarmed civilians.

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The ministry added that the security response had "led to tragic fatalities."

Calls for international accountability

India also urged the international community to take note of the developments and hold Pakistan accountable for its actions in the region.

"We expect and hope that the international community will hold Pakistan fully accountable for these egregious abuses and mistreatment," the MEA said.

According to reports, the protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have been fuelled by mounting economic hardship and growing public anger over governance. Demonstrators have demanded subsidised prices for essential commodities, including wheat flour and electricity, while also seeking greater accountability from the Pakistani government.

The protests have also been driven by opposition to a controversial court ruling that upheld 12 reserved assembly seats for migrants settled in Pakistan. Similar demonstrations were reported across the region last year.

Ban on JAAC intensifies unrest

The latest wave of protests was triggered after the Pakistani government banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) under anti-terrorism laws, a move that further escalated tensions in the region.

Following the ban, JAAC leader Sardar Aman Khan appealed for assistance from India.

"We need India's help. There is a shortage of rations... and we need your help," Khan said in a video that has been widely shared on social media.