The Government of India has strongly condemned Pakistan for disseminating fake news that falsely blames India for the ongoing violent protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). New Delhi has urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and human rights abuses.
MEA Response to Pakistan's Propaganda
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that it has noted a pattern of fake news and videos originating from Pakistan. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "It is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to cover up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses. There are reports of severe police brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in which several protesters have been killed and many injured." He added, "We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses."
Pakistan's Human Rights Concerns
India's reaction came a day after Pakistan's human rights body expressed deep alarm over the violence in POK. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) voiced serious concerns about the regional government's decision to ban the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) under anti-terrorism legislation. The JAAC has been demanding the abolition of 12 "refugee seats" in the POK legislative assembly, which are reserved for refugees from Kashmir who settled in Pakistan after 1947. The JAAC alleges that these seats are often used by mainstream Pakistani political parties to influence government formation in Muzaffarabad.
India's Stance on POK
India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over the recent elections in POK, maintaining that the region has been illegally and forcibly occupied by Pakistan. The MEA reiterated India's position that POK is an integral part of India and that Pakistan must cease its human rights violations and propaganda campaigns.
The ongoing protests in POK have resulted in casualties and injuries due to police action. India continues to monitor the situation closely and calls on the international community to take note of Pakistan's actions.
