NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday strongly condemned Pakistan over the reported violence against protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), asserting that the crackdown was a desperate attempt to conceal Islamabad’s governance failures in the region.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern over reports that several protesters were killed and many others injured during demonstrations in PoK. According to reports, the unrest erupted amid growing public anger over political, economic and administrative issues, leading to clashes between protesters and security forces. India described the use of force against civilians as unacceptable and called for accountability.
In a strongly worded statement, New Delhi accused Pakistan of responding to legitimate public grievances with repression rather than addressing the concerns of the local population. Indian officials said the violence reflected Islamabad’s inability to manage growing dissatisfaction in territories under its control.
The MEA maintained that the reported killings and the heavy-handed response by Pakistani authorities were intended to silence dissent and divert attention from what it called chronic governance failures in PoK. India argued that residents of the region have long faced political marginalisation, economic neglect and restrictions on fundamental freedoms.
The latest developments have once again drawn attention to the situation in Pakistan-occupied territories, where rights groups and activists have repeatedly raised concerns about civil liberties and political representation. Recent reports from activists originating from the region have also highlighted allegations of human rights violations and pressure on political voices critical of Islamabad’s policies.
India reiterated its longstanding position that Pakistan continues to illegally occupy parts of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi stated that attempts to suppress protests through force cannot obscure the realities on the ground or address the growing frustration among local residents.
The remarks come amid a series of recent diplomatic exchanges between India and Pakistan. In recent weeks, India has repeatedly criticised Pakistan at international forums, including the United Nations, over issues related to terrorism, human rights and regional security. New Delhi has accused Islamabad of using international platforms to divert attention from domestic challenges while continuing to interfere in matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
Indian representatives have also highlighted Pakistan’s record on human rights and alleged misuse of force against civilians. At various international forums, New Delhi has argued that Pakistan’s actions reveal a pattern of attempting to externalise internal problems rather than addressing them through democratic and administrative reforms.
Meanwhile, reports from PoK indicate that public anger remains high following the recent violence. Demonstrations and criticism of the Pakistani administration have reportedly spread across several areas, increasing pressure on authorities. While Islamabad has defended its actions, critics argue that the response has only intensified public resentment and drawn greater international scrutiny.
India concluded by urging Pakistan to respect the rights and aspirations of the people living in territories under its control and to ensure that those responsible for the violence are held accountable. New Delhi maintained that lasting peace and stability can only be achieved through transparency, good governance and respect for democratic rights, rather than through coercion and suppression.
