India has lambasted Pakistan for unleashing ruthless force against peaceful civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) that has resulted in the death of 40 civilians, and many more have been injured.
Responding to Times Now when asked with respect to Pakistan carrying out atrocities in occupied Jammu and Kashmir as the region is facing elections, MEA said, “As you have yourself witnessed, the Pakistani establishment continues to unleash ruthless force against peaceful civilians in PoJK. This crackdown has resulted in the tragic death of over 40 civilians and serious injuries to many. Its absolute disdain for the innocent people of PoJK was laid bare when their Defence Minister branded the protesting civilians as enemies.”
MEA further said that Pakistan’s special assistant to Prime Minister on Political Affairs, had openly admitted that the very “mujahideen” that the Pakistani establishment trained, armed, and sent to bleed India have now turned their guns inward, weaponizing themselves against the state.
“The so-called elections stand as a humiliating rejection of the Pakistani establishment. Facing a violent regime, the people have requested international organizations for an independent investigation into the unlawful killings,” MEA said.
The MEA called upon on the international community to scrutinize Pakistan’s actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities.
MEA on New York Times Article Using ‘Pakistani Kashmir’
When asked to respond to a New York Times article that used the term “Pakistani Kashmir”, the MEA said, “The entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territories of J&K, Union Territory of Ladakh are integral part of India…. they are inalienable part of India… these areas will continue to be part of India and we urge all our partners and stakeholders that they should reflect the correct nomenclature of these areas the way we understand…”
Nearly 40 Killed in Pak Force Brutality in PoJK
Around 40 people were reportedly killed in the crackdown by the security forces in PoJK since July 27 amid local-body elections in the region. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Pakistani establishment continued to “unleash ruthless force” against peaceful civilians in PoJK.
The PoJK has been witnessing massive protests since last month over inflated living costs, alleged administrative apathy and political discrimination and atrocities against minorities. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has been leading the protests.
“This crackdown has resulted in the tragic death of over 40 civilians and serious injuries to many,” Jaiswal said at a regular media briefing.