New Delhi: India has strongly criticised Pakistan over the recently held local elections in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling the electoral exercise a “complete farce” and accusing Islamabad of attempting to conceal growing unrest in the region.
Speaking during a weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the elections could not mask the reality of widespread public protests and the ongoing security crackdown in PoK.
Jaiswal alleged that Pakistani security forces have responded to public discontent with force, claiming that the region has witnessed civilian deaths, intimidation, communication blackouts and repression in recent months. He said such measures could not create legitimacy through what he described as a hollow electoral process.
According to the MEA, at least 90 civilians have reportedly lost their lives since June during the continuing crackdown in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. India accused the Pakistani establishment of suppressing dissent while attempting to portray normalcy through local body elections.
The MEA also urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable, alleging that its actions in PoK contradict its public statements on human rights. India maintained that the situation in the region reflects increasing public dissatisfaction and cannot be overlooked.
The remarks come amid reports of continued unrest in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) has accused Pakistani authorities of carrying out extensive security operations against protesters and civilians across several areas.
The committee has also claimed that the ongoing crackdown has triggered a humanitarian crisis, citing civilian deaths, firearm injuries, shortages of medicines and blood supplies, and restrictions on the movement of residents. It has appealed to humanitarian organisations, including the Pakistan Red Crescent Society and the Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan, to provide immediate assistance in Rawalakot, Mirpur and other affected regions.
India’s latest comments mark another sharp exchange between New Delhi and Islamabad over developments in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, with the MEA maintaining that the electoral exercise cannot divert attention from the situation on the ground.
