Natural consequence of Pakistan’s oppressive approach: MEA on PoK violence

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday held Pakistan’s oppressive approach responsibile for violent clashes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of eight people.

"We have seen reports of protests across several areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including acts of brutality by Pakistani forces against innocent civilians. This is a natural consequence of Pakistan’s oppressive approach, and they must be held accountable," said Jaishwal during a media briefing.

At least eight people have been killed in four days of violent protests in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, reported Reuters quoting Pakistani officials on Thursday, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif set up a committee of senior officials to resolve the ongoing clashes.


"Pakistan must be held accountable for its horrific human rights violations," said MEA on Pakistan's crackdown on protesters in PoK.

Three policemen and five civilians have been killed so far, two security officials in Islamabad told Reuters. The officials said clashes between demonstrators and police had not abated since the protests began on Monday.

The protests, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), centre around a 38-point charter of demands, including political reforms, subsidised wheat flour, reduced electricity tariffs, free education and health facilities, and the end of perks for government officials.

Muzaffarabad has become the epicentre of the agitation, which has spread to multiple districts of PoJK. Shops, markets and transport services have been shut down, bringing life to a standstill.

After the unrest, a high-level government delegation held negotiations with a civil society alliance in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Talks, It resumed after deadly unrest in PoJK Kashmir (poJK) on Thursday, after days of violent clashes at the hands of Pakistani forces on protesters had left at least 10 people dead and scores critically injured, Dawn reported on Friday.

In the face of the demonstrations, security forces have been deployed across PoK, clearing bridges to block protest marches.

Despite an indefinite lockdown and an internet blackout imposed by authorities, large protest caravans have pushed through blockades to join the movement.