Reacting to the escalating unrest and widespread protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), India has strongly condemned Pakistan for its "horrific human rights violations" in the region and called upon the international community to hold Islamabad accountable. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has asserted that the current situation is a direct consequence of Pakistan's oppressive policies and systematic exploitation of resources in the territories under its illegal occupation.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a recent media briefing, conveyed India's concern over the reports of brutalities committed by Pakistani forces against innocent civilians in various parts of PoK. He emphasized that Pakistan's actions are a natural outcome of its oppressive approach and the continuous plundering of resources from these territories, which remain under its forcible and illegal occupation. Jaiswal stressed that Pakistan must be held responsible for its severe human rights abuses.

For the past week, PoK has been gripped by massive protests and unrest, with thousands of people taking to the streets in what is considered the largest demonstration in the region in years. The protests are being led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC) against the Shehbaz Sharif-led government, primarily due to the denial of fundamental rights. The situation has further escalated, resulting in multiple deaths and the suspension of internet and mobile phone services across the region.

The AAC has voiced its protest against the denial of fundamental rights and is demanding the abolition of 12 legislative seats in the PoK assembly that are reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan. The committee is also advocating for political reforms and subsidies on essential commodities like flour and electricity.

India has consistently maintained that PoK is an integral part of the country and has repeatedly called on Pakistan to immediately vacate all areas under its illegal and forcible occupation. The MEA has asserted that future discussions with Pakistan will only focus on the return of the territory.

The protests, which began due to the government's failure to meet 38 key demands, have transformed into a broader agitation against the excesses of the Pakistani military. Demonstrations have also spread to Pakistani cities like Islamabad and Karachi.

Amidst the unrest, Pakistani authorities have confirmed casualties resulting from the violent protests. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in PoK and dispatched a high-level federal government delegation to Muzaffarabad to engage in talks with the protesters in an effort to de-escalate the situation.

India has urged the international community to take note of the human rights violations in PoK and hold Pakistan accountable for its actions. The MEA has described the treatment of civilians in PoK as "horrific" and has reiterated India's demand for an end to the oppression of residents in the territory.