India on Friday termed the massive protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), which have reportedly resulted in over a dozen deaths till now, as a “natural consequence of Pakistan’s oppressive approach and systemic plundering of resources from these territories.”
Addressing a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi is aware of the ongoing protests in several parts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including the brutalities being committed by Pakistani forces on locals.
“We have seen reports on protests in several areas of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including brutalities by Pakistani forces on innocent civilians. We believe that it is a natural 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,” Jaiswal told reporters.
Reaffirming India’s stance, the MEA spokesperson emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir, along with Ladakh, will always remain an integral part of India.
“Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are inalienable part of India, will remain and have always been part of India. Those territories (PoK) are our inalienable part,” he said.
Several people, including police personnel, have been killed and dozens injured during the ongoing violent clashes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir that began during the strike called by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) for reforms and public facilities in the region.
Business and other activities have remained shut in the PoK due to the strike amid disruption in communication in the region. Incidents of violence occurred in Dhir Kot and other parts of PoK with the local authorities saying that 172 police personnel and 50 civilians have also been injured in the clashes.
(With agencies inputs)