India on Friday condemned Pakistan’s aggressive measures in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), accusing its leadership of branding peaceful protesters as “enemies” and using ruthless force against civilians. At a weekly press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal sharply criticized the statements made by Pakistan’s defence minister and other senior officials, describing them as revealing a deep “disdain” for the people of PoJK.
## Violent Crackdown: Alarming Casualty Figures
For four consecutive days, Pakistani security forces have been quelling protests in PoK with force. Over 40 civilians have lost their lives, and more than 200 have suffered serious injuries during the operations, Jaiswal reported. Among the deceased is Usman Nazir, brother of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) Central Committee member Umar Nazir.
JAAC—one of the principal groups involved—has been leading the ongoing demonstrations, which began alongside local body elections in PoK. These elections have been marred by significant violence, claims of electoral fraud, and enforced disappearances.
## What Are Protesters Saying?
The unrest stems from widespread discontent over soaring cost of living, alleged government neglect, political discrimination, and minority persecution. These grievances have sparked mass mobilization across the region, placing intense pressure on local authorities.
## Statement from Indian Officials
Jaiswal condemned Pakistani officials’ language, citing a reference by Pakistan’s defence minister that explicitly termed the protesting civilians as “enemies.” This rhetoric, he said, exemplifies a blatant contempt for innocent citizens of PoJK.
He also noted that Pakistan’s Special Assistant on Political Affairs openly acknowledges that the very “mujahideen” the Pakistani establishment once trained and armed to “make India bleed” have now taken up arms against the state.
## India’s Call for International Scrutiny
India has urged the global community to investigate Pakistan’s actions in PoK and to hold Islamabad accountable for what it terms “atrocities” against the civilian population. Jaiswal specifically asked international organisations to initiate an independent inquiry into alleged unlawful killings and human rights violations.
India has also rejected the ongoing elections in PoK, describing them as a “humiliating rejection” of Pakistan’s ruling powers and their legitimacy in the region.
## What’s Driving Protests in PoK?
The constituency of the unrest includes numerous intertwined issues:
– **Inflation and economic burden**, which have hit ordinary citizens hard.
– **Administrative neglect**, where local concerns are being ignored.
– **Political discrimination**, particularly affecting minority communities.
– **Allegations of electoral manipulation**, suggesting voter suppression or rigging.
## Wider Implications
According to Indian officials, the situation has broader repercussions for regional stability. The MEA spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan’s intolerance toward dissent, combined with its aggressive posture toward civilians, undermines its credibility on the international stage. India maintains that such developments must no longer be ignored.
Furthermore, the characterization of citizens expressing dissent—peacefully—as enemies marks a dangerous escalation in how law enforcement and statecraft are used to stifle legitimate voices.
## What Pakistan Says: Context
While India has provided its position, Pakistan’s government has not directly countered the specific allegations. The major thrust of India’s criticism hinges on Pakistan’s language and its operational methods during the protests—how civilians are being treated and how protests are being met with lethal force.
Pakistan, in its public statements, frames these protests within a narrative of national security, claiming militant infiltration or unauthorized armed opposition. Yet, India argues the roots of the unrest lie in governance failures that must be addressed to prevent further escalation.
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