PoK Unrest: India Dismisses Pakistan’s ‘Fabricated’ Claims
NEW DELHI-The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on June 23 categorically rejected Pakistan’s “fabricated claims” linking India to the ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), saying the allegations were an attempt by Islamabad to deflect attention from its own failures and alleged human rights abuses in the region.
Responding to a question during the weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed allegations made by Pakistan’s Defense Minister blaming India for the violence in PoK.
“Such remarks are desperate attempts by Pakistan to cover up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses. We categorically reject these fabricated claims with the contempt that they deserve. The ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 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.
Calling on the international community to take note of the situation, Jaiswal said Pakistan should be held accountable for its actions and alleged human rights violations in PoK.
“The Pakistani state has responded with extreme police brutality, blocking of essential supplies and medicines, internet blackouts, and use of lethal force against unarmed civilians. As you know, several people have also lost their lives. We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and human rights abuses,” he said.
India had also raised similar concerns on June 9, when Jaiswal accused Pakistan of spreading misinformation about the unrest in PoK.
“We continue to see in this context a pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan,” he had said at the time.
According to reports, dozens of people have been killed and hundreds injured in clashes between law enforcement personnel and protesters in Rawalakot in PoK. The unrest escalated after authorities in the territory declared the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a proscribed group under anti-terrorism laws ahead of its planned protest on June 9. (IANS)
