India calls for global scrutiny of Pakistan's crackdown in Pakistan-administered Kashmir
India has called on the international community to examine Pakistan's actions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where a crackdown on protesters has reportedly killed over 40 people. The appeal was made by External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at a regular press briefing in New Delhi on Friday.
The protests in the region, which India refers to as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, have been ongoing since last month. Demonstrators have been protesting against inflated living costs, administrative apathy, political discrimination, and what they describe as atrocities against minorities. The protests have been organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a coalition of groups leading the movement.
According to reports, the security crackdown began on July 27 amid local-body elections in the region. At least 40 people are said to have been killed, and many more have been injured. However, these casualty figures have not been independently verified.
Addressing reporters, Mr. Jaiswal said the Pakistani establishment had "unleashed ruthless force" against peaceful civilians. He added that the crackdown had resulted in "the tragic death of over 40 civilians and serious injuries to many." The Indian official also accused Islamabad of showing "absolute disdain" for the people of the region.
He cited statements by Pakistani officials, including the defence minister, who reportedly described the protesters as enemies. He also mentioned a remark by a special assistant to the prime minister, who allegedly admitted that the "mujahideen" trained and armed by Pakistan to fight India had turned their weapons inward. These statements, Mr. Jaiswal said, revealed the Pakistani establishment's attitude.
The local-body elections, according to Mr. Jaiswal, were a "humiliating rejection" of the Pakistani establishment. He noted that protesters had appealed to international organisations for an independent investigation into the alleged unlawful killings.
"We urge that the international community should scrutinise Pakistan's actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities," he said.
The Kashmir issue has been a source of tension between India and Pakistan for over seven decades. The region is divided between the two countries, with both claiming it in full. India administers the Jammu and Kashmir region, while Pakistan administers a portion to the west, which India calls Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The two countries have fought wars over the territory and continue to have a fragile ceasefire along the Line of Control.
India has often raised human rights concerns in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, while Pakistan has similarly accused India of rights abuses in its part of Kashmir. The international community has repeatedly called for dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbours to resolve the dispute peacefully.
This latest statement from New Delhi is likely to further strain relations between the two countries. There has been no immediate response from Pakistan's government to the allegations. Meanwhile, reports suggest that protests have continued, with security forces maintaining a heavy presence in the region.
