India has sharply condemned Pakistan’s violent crackdown in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), where over 40 civilians were killed and scores injured during recent protests.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described Islamabad’s actions as showing “absolute disdain” for the people, while highlighting Defence Minister Rana Sanaullah’s admission that the protesters were once trained Mujahideen now turning against the state.

The MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Pakistan’s security forces had unleashed ruthless force against peaceful demonstrators in PoK. He emphasised that the tragic deaths of more than 40 civilians and the serious injuries inflicted on many others exposed the Pakistani establishment’s disregard for human life. He noted that this disdain was made clear when the Defence Minister branded the protesting civilians as “enemies.”

Jaiswal referred to Sanaullah’s remarks in an interview with Geo News, where he admitted that the protesters were the same Mujahideen once trained, funded, armed, and sent to India by Pakistan. 

Sanaullah acknowledged that these fighters had now turned their guns inward, weaponizing themselves against the Pakistani state. India described this as an open admission of Pakistan’s long-standing policy of state-sponsored terrorism.

The MEA spokesperson also criticised the so-called elections in PoK, describing them as a humiliating rejection of the Pakistani establishment. He said that the people facing violent repression had requested international organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the unlawful killings. India urged the global community to scrutinise Pakistan’s actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities.

Reports from the ground indicated widespread protests across PoK, with civilians complaining of electoral rigging, political interference, and systematic suppression of democratic rights. The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) issued a statement calling for urgent intervention by the United Nations and other international actors.

The organisation appealed to the UN, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Russia, China, and global human rights groups to take immediate steps to protect civilians and ensure accountability.

Independent reports highlighted that the protests coincided with regional elections marred by allegations of rigging and low voter turnout. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been leading demonstrations, accused Pakistani forces of killing dozens of protesters in Rawalakot and Mirpur. 

Amnesty International condemned the crackdown, describing it as consistent with Pakistan’s long history of unlawful violence against dissenters. Amnesty demanded a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation into the killings and urged Pakistan to restore communications access, which has been suspended since early June.

Diaspora groups staged demonstrations abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom, drawing attention to the plight of civilians in PoK. Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, including Mehbooba Mufti, also condemned the violence, urging Pakistan to adopt dialogue instead of force. She described the visuals of peaceful protesters being met with brute force as “deeply heart breaking.”

The UKPNP claimed that more than 100 people had been killed since June 5, with hundreds injured and subjected to enforced disappearances. The group characterised the crackdown as a massacre and warned that Pakistan’s actions could amount to crimes under international law.

The Guardian reported allegations that Pakistani authorities removed evidence of killings by abducting bodies from hospitals in Mirpur, further deepening concerns about accountability.

India reiterated its consistent position that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. It has repeatedly raised concerns about Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism and its treatment of civilians in the region.

The MEA’s remarks underscored India’s demand for international scrutiny and accountability for Pakistan’s actions, which have drawn global outrage and condemnation.

ANI