India trashes Pakistan defence minister's remarks on Kashmir

India on Tuesday trashed Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, calling them Islamabad's desperate attempts to cover up its "own failings".

Khawaja had criticised India for its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as well as for the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

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"We have seen some reports on the matter. Such remarks are desperate attempts by Pakistan to cover-up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

"We categorically reject these fabricated claims with the contempt they deserve."

"The ongoing protests in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) are a direct consequence of Pakistan's decades-long policy of systemic economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation," Jaiswal said.

He said the Pakistani state has responded to the protests with extreme brutality, blocking of essential supplies and medicines, internet blackouts, and use of lethal force against unarmed civilians.

"We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses," he said.