‘Unrest result of Pak’s oppressive approach’

PoK CRACKDOWN | India reacts to atrocities committed by Pakistani forces on protesting civilians, flags rights violations

- Ashwin Ahmad

India on Friday said Pakistan must be held accountable for its “horrific”? human rights violations against protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was referring to security operations by Pakistani military to quell protests in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur and Kotli. Shutdowns and a communications blackout have been in place since Sept 28.

Criticising Pakistan, he said, “We have seen reports on protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including brutalities by Pakistani forces on innocent civilians. It is a consequence of Pakistan's oppressive approach and systemic plundering of resources from these territories, which remain under its forcible and illegal occupation. Pakistan must be held accountable for its horrific human rights violations.”

The MEA spokesperson also said India was set to welcome the Taliban's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Starting October 9, it will be first high-level visit from Kabul ever since the Taliban seized power in August 2021.