India calls upon international community to look into Pakistan's brutal crackdown in PoJK

India on Friday stepped up its criticism of Pakistan over the security crackdown in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), urging the international community to examine Islamabad's actions and hold it responsible for what it described as atrocities against civilians.

The remarks came amid reports that around 40 people have been killed since July 27 as security forces acted against demonstrators during local-body elections in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the use of force against peaceful protesters had led to multiple fatalities and left several others injured.

Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Pakistani establishment had continued to employ excessive force against civilians in PoJK. He said the reported deaths and injuries reflected Islamabad's approach towards people in the region and warranted international attention.


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PoJK has witnessed sustained protests over the past several weeks, driven by public anger over rising living costs, allegations of administrative neglect, political marginalisation and claims of discrimination against minority communities. The demonstrations have largely been spearheaded by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has mobilised protests across several parts of the territory.

India said the developments highlighted growing unrest among residents and questioned Pakistan's handling of the situation. According to the MEA, the reported crackdown during the election period resulted in significant civilian casualties.

The government also referred to recent remarks by senior Pakistani leaders. Jaiswal said comments made by Pakistan's defence minister, in which protesting civilians were described as adversaries, reflected the establishment's attitude towards dissent within PoJK.

The spokesperson further cited statements made by Pakistan's Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, saying they amounted to an acknowledgment that militant groups previously trained and armed by Pakistan had now turned against the state itself. India has consistently accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, a charge Islamabad has denied.

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The MEA also questioned the credibility of the ongoing local-body elections in PoJK, saying the political exercise had failed to address public discontent and instead underscored the widening gap between the Pakistani establishment and the people of the region.

Jaiswal said residents facing the violence had sought an independent international investigation into the reported unlawful killings. India urged the global community to closely examine the developments and ensure accountability for the reported actions against civilians.