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MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during press briefing
New Delhi: India on Tuesday launched a strong diplomatic attack on Pakistan over the recently conducted local body elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), calling the exercise a “complete farce” and alleging that Islamabad is attempting to create an image of political normalcy while suppressing widespread public anger through force.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the elections cannot hide what it described as the “ground reality” of protests, alleged civilian killings, restrictions and human rights concerns in the region. According to India, the situation in PoK is marked by public unrest and security action rather than a genuine democratic process.
Addressing a media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that such electoral exercises cannot conceal the ongoing protests and alleged violence against civilians. He accused Pakistani authorities of responding to public dissatisfaction with force, blackouts, intimidation and repression. India alleged that Pakistan is attempting to manufacture political legitimacy through elections while facing criticism over its handling of protests and public grievances in PoK.
The MEA claimed that at least 90 civilians have lost their lives since June during what it described as a continuing crackdown by Pakistani security forces. India urged the international community to closely examine the situation and hold Pakistan accountable over alleged violations of basic human rights.
The ministry also criticised Pakistan’s position on global human rights issues, accusing Islamabad of adopting a contradictory approach by raising concerns about rights violations in other countries while facing allegations of suppressing dissent within PoK.
India said the international community should look beyond what it called Pakistan’s attempts to present a different picture of the situation and focus on allegations of violence, restrictions and civil rights concerns.
Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed widespread protests in recent weeks, with demonstrations reportedly linked to rising inflation, increasing costs of essential commodities, electricity issues, unemployment, administrative failures and allegations of political discrimination.
The protests have been led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has emerged as a major platform representing public grievances in the region. The group has been demanding economic relief, administrative reforms and greater accountability from authorities. The unrest continued even during the local body elections, raising questions over the political environment and public sentiment in the region.
The situation intensified last month when the JAAC organised a long march from Rawalakote to Muzaffarabad. According to reports, clashes broke out between protesters and Pakistani security forces during the demonstration. The alleged crackdown reportedly resulted in the deaths of around 40 civilians, while more than 33 protesters were injured. The incident further increased anger among sections of the population and attracted attention from rights organisations.
Following the violence, the Joint Awami Action Committee approached the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and international human rights bodies, seeking an independent investigation into what it described as unlawful killings and excessive use of force.
Human rights and press freedom organisations have also raised concerns over alleged communication restrictions, internet disruptions and limitations on media coverage during the protests. The developments have renewed international attention on issues related to governance, civil liberties, political representation and public dissatisfaction in PoK.
Apart from the PoK developments, the MEA also reiterated India’s concerns over cross-border terrorism and alleged terror infrastructure operating from Pakistani soil.
Responding to questions regarding claims made by members of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba about the deaths of several of its commanders and allegations against Indian agencies, Jaiswal said India continues to call upon all countries to take strict action against terrorism and organisations supporting extremist activities. India urged Pakistan to take decisive steps to dismantle terrorist networks operating from its territory and prevent cross-border terrorism.
The latest diplomatic exchange has further intensified tensions between India and Pakistan, with Jammu and Kashmir remaining one of the most sensitive issues between the two countries. India has repeatedly maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and has accused Pakistan of illegally occupying parts of the region and supporting terrorism. The controversy surrounding the PoK elections comes amid growing international focus on developments in the region, particularly issues related to governance, human rights, political rights and public representation.
