India slams Pakistan for human rights abuses in PoK

India on Tuesday accused Pakistan of trying to divert attention from its alleged human rights abuses and urged the international community to hold Islamabad accountable for its “misdeeds and abuses” in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The sharp reaction came against the backdrop of reports that more than 20 people were killed in police action on protesters in several parts of PoK.

Responding to a question at a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal alleged that Pakistan was resorting to disinformation to mask its domestic challenges.

“We continue to see in this context, a pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan. It is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to cover-up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses,” he said.

Referring to the situation in PoK, Jaiswal said: “There are reports of severe police brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in which several protestors have been killed and many injured. We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses.”

India’s comments came as reports pointed to fatalities and injuries during protests across parts of PoK, with New Delhi describing the incidents as evidence of Pakistan’s “brutality” against people in the region.

The developments have drawn international scrutiny, with more than 50 British lawmakers urging UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to address reports of a communications shutdown, detentions, and rising tensions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

In a letter, the parliamentarians said members of the British Kashmiri community had faced difficulties contacting relatives in the region. They also cautioned that restrictions on communication could further aggravate an already fragile and volatile situation.