India has strongly condemned Pakistan’s violent crackdown in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), declaring the recent elections a “complete farce” as at least 90 civilians have reportedly been killed since June.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged the international community to hold Islamabad accountable for atrocities, while human rights groups highlight enforced disappearances, communication blackouts, and restrictions on press freedom.

India on Tuesday reiterated its position that Pakistan has responded to public discontent in PoK with bullets, intimidation, and repression. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the Pakistani establishment has sought to manufacture legitimacy through hollow electoral exercises, but the reality remains one of widespread protests and wanton killings. He emphasised that the world must see through Pakistan’s hypocritical lecturing on human rights.

The recently conducted local elections in PoK were marred by violence, logistical failures, and widespread disruptions. Demonstrations erupted across Rawalakot, Mirpur, and Muzaffarabad, with protesters alleging rigging and suppression of democratic rights. Reports confirmed that police detained several protesters and student leaders, intensifying public anger.

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has spearheaded demonstrations since June, accused Pakistani forces of opening fire on unarmed civilians, resulting in multiple casualties.

Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ Asia), have raised alarms over state violence, restrictions on media, and communication shutdowns.

Amnesty International highlighted reports of force being used against demonstrators in Rawalakot and demanded an immediate external inquiry. CPJ Asia expressed concern over enforced disappearances of journalists and restrictions on foreign media outlets, underscoring the need for transparent investigations.

The crackdown has coincided with Pakistan’s reported blocking of international media outlets such as Al Jazeera, following their coverage of protests and election-related violence. Activists and opposition leaders accused Islamabad of silencing independent reporting to conceal the scale of unrest. Internet and mobile services have remained suspended in PoK since June 5, severely impeding verification of events on the ground.

India also drew attention to the contrasting situation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Human rights activist Taslima Akhtar noted that since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the region has witnessed improved security, reduced militancy, and a peaceful environment. She stressed that parents no longer live in fear for their children’s safety, and stone-pelting incidents have been curbed. Akhtar contrasted this with PoK, where civilians are allegedly being shot for demanding their rights.

The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) spokesperson Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan alleged that PoK has been under siege, blockade, and communication blackout since June 5. He claimed residents faced shortages of food, medicines, and healthcare, while hospitals were occupied by security forces. Khan reported large demonstrations in Muzaffarabad, where protesters demanded basic rights and condemned excessive use of force.

Independent reports suggest that the unrest stems from grievances over reserved legislative seats for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir settled in Pakistan, which locals argue undermines their representation. The JAAC has campaigned against these policies, evolving into one of the largest movements challenging Islamabad’s control in decades. Pakistani authorities responded by banning the JAAC under anti-terrorism laws and arresting its leaders, further fuelling public resentment.

India has doubled down on its call for Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and take strong action against cross-border terrorism. Jaiswal emphasised that Pakistan must be held accountable not only for atrocities in PoK but also for its continued support of terrorism. The developments come as the region marks seven years since the abrogation of Article 370, highlighting divergent trajectories across the Line of Control.

Diaspora groups have staged protests abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom, drawing attention to the plight of civilians in PoK. Global outrage has mounted, with Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and other organisations demanding independent investigations and restoration of communications access. Analysts argue that Pakistan’s attempt to use elections as a veneer of legitimacy has collapsed under the weight of violence and repression.

Alternative Headline:

India Slams Pakistan’s Crackdown In PoK, Calls Elections A Complete Farce