New Delhi: India has strongly condemned the “ruthless” crackdown by Pakistani occupying forces on peaceful protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). More than 40 civilians have been killed and many others seriously injured in the crackdown on protests amid internet shut down.Speaking at a media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Pakistani establishment “continues to unleash ruthless force against peaceful civilians in PoJK.”&nbsp;&nbsp;He described the violence as evidence of “absolute disdain for the innocent people” of the region.&nbsp;The protests, which began in early June 2026 and intensified around elections, have been driven by local grievances over governance, economic hardship, electricity prices and the structure of the assembly.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/utmost-brutality-ex-aap-leader-tahir-hussain-4-others-get-life-term-for-ankit-sharma-s-murder-1785504258932">‘Utmost brutality’: Ex-AAP leader Tahir Hussain, 4 others get life term for Ankit Sharma’s murder</a>&nbsp;Demonstrations have been organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee, a civil society group that has been banned by Islamabad, and branded as a terror organisation.&nbsp;Mr Jaiswal pointed to recent comments by Pakistani officials as further proof of the establishment’s hostility. He noted that Pakistan’s Defence Minister had “branded the protesting civilians as enemies.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Adding to the criticism, Mr Jaiswal highlighted remarks by the Special Assistant to the Pakistani Prime Minister on Political Affairs, who “openly admitted that the very ‘mujahideen’ that Pak establishment trained, armed and sent to bleed India have now turned their guns inward, weaponizing themselves against the state.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Pakistan in the past has trained groups of men for carrying out terror attacks in India.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-grants-divorce-to-omar-abdullah-after-settlement-with-estranged-wife-payal-1785494276973">Supreme Court grants divorce to Omar Abdullah after settlement with estranged wife Payal</a>&nbsp;The Indian foreign ministry spokesperson dismissed the ongoing elections in the region as a “humiliating rejection of the Pak Establishment.”&nbsp;He said people living under what he termed a “violent regime” had called on international organisations for an independent investigation into the “unlawful killings.”&nbsp;“We urge that the international community should scrutinise Pakistan’s actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities,” Mr Jaiswal said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/215-academics-pen-open-letter-slam-priyanka-gandhi-s-cow-urine-expert-remark-on-iit-madras-director-v-kamakoti-1785420621340">215 academics pen open letter, slam Priyanka Gandhi’s ‘cow urine expert’ remark on IIT Madras director V Kamakoti</a>&nbsp;The unrest has drawn concern from human rights groups. Amnesty International has called for an independent probe into the use of lethal force and urged the restoration of basic services.&nbsp;&nbsp;The international community has so far issued limited formal responses, though the growing casualty figures and official statements from both sides are likely to keep the situation under close watch. In fact, in the UK, 50 MPs have written a joint letter to UK foreign secretary as the situation in the region remains concerning.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted remarks by the Special Assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister who “openly admitted that the very ‘mujahideen’ that Pak establishment trained, armed and sent to bleed India have now turned their guns inward, weaponizing themselves against the state.

New Delhi: India has strongly condemned the “ruthless” crackdown by Pakistani occupying forces on peaceful protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). More than 40 civilians have been killed and many others seriously injured in the crackdown on protests amid internet shut down. Speaking at a media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Pakistani establishment “continues to unleash ruthless force against peaceful civilians in PoJK.” He described the violence as evidence of “absolute disdain for the innocent people” of the region. The protests, which began in early June 2026 and intensified around elections, have been driven by local grievances over governance, economic hardship, electricity prices and the structure of the assembly. Also Read: ‘Utmost brutality’: Ex-AAP leader Tahir Hussain, 4 others get life term for Ankit Sharma’s murder Demonstrations have been organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee, a civil society group that has been banned by Islamabad, and branded as a terror organisation. Mr Jaiswal pointed to recent comments by Pakistani officials as further proof of the establishment’s hostility. He noted that Pakistan’s Defence Minister had “branded the protesting civilians as enemies.” Adding to the criticism, Mr Jaiswal highlighted remarks by the Special Assistant to the Pakistani Prime Minister on Political Affairs, who “openly admitted that the very ‘mujahideen’ that Pak establishment trained, armed and sent to bleed India have now turned their guns inward, weaponizing themselves against the state.” Pakistan in the past has trained groups of men for carrying out terror attacks in India. Also Read: Supreme Court grants divorce to Omar Abdullah after settlement with estranged wife Payal The Indian foreign ministry spokesperson dismissed the ongoing elections in the region as a “humiliating rejection of the Pak Establishment.” He said people living under what he termed a “violent regime” had called on international organisations for an independent investigation into the “unlawful killings.” “We urge that the international community should scrutinise Pakistan’s actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities,” Mr Jaiswal said. Also Read: 215 academics pen open letter, slam Priyanka Gandhi’s ‘cow urine expert’ remark on IIT Madras director V Kamakoti The unrest has drawn concern from human rights groups. Amnesty International has called for an independent probe into the use of lethal force and urged the restoration of basic services. The international community has so far issued limited formal responses, though the growing casualty figures and official statements from both sides are likely to keep the situation under close watch. In fact, in the UK, 50 MPs have written a joint letter to UK foreign secretary as the situation in the region remains concerning.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted remarks by the Special Assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister who “openly admitted that the very ‘mujahideen’ that Pak establishment trained, armed and sent to bleed India have now turned their guns inward, weaponizing themselves against the state.

India demands international scrutiny of Pakistan’s actions in PoJK as civilian deaths mount

Even as the first phase of what critics call a farcical election unfolded in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the crackdown by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's forces showed no signs of slowing. Following the latest escalation, the death toll among PoK civilians has reportedly climbed to 67.&nbsp;Chaos erupted at a busy marketplace in Mirpur after Munir's forces allegedly opened fire on civilians. At least five to six people were reportedly killed as panic gripped the area and locals scrambled for safety.&nbsp;Gunshots echoed across the marketplace, while thick smoke billowed from a nearby shop.Despite Pakistan's attempts to downplay the violence, the situation on the ground paints a different picture.&nbsp;According to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), at least 14 of its activists were killed on Monday alone during the first phase of the so-called assembly elections in PoK. More than 28 others were reportedly injured.&nbsp;The latest crackdown came after the JAAC launched its long march towards Muzaffarabad.The protests were originally triggered by the ban on the civil society group.&nbsp;On June 9, thousands of JAAC supporters began a sit-in at Rawalakot's Eidgah Ground.&nbsp;The group presented 38 demands, including the abolition of 12 seats in the so-called legislative assembly, which it claims are dominated by Pakistan. Instead of negotiations, Islamabad has chosen force, protesters allege.&nbsp;Pakistan frequently speaks about Kashmir on the global stage. But its critics point to what they describe as a glaring contradiction.&nbsp;While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sympathy for victims of the wildfires in France, Pakistan's former UN envoy Maleeha Lodhi publicly questioned why there was no similar expression of grief for those killed in the PoK crackdown.<h2>PoK witnessing protests demanding freedom from Pakistan</h2>&nbsp;In recent weeks, PoK has witnessed repeated slogans demanding freedom from Pakistan.Protesters have openly described the Pakistani government and military as "illegal occupiers."&nbsp;Meanwhile, India dismissed the PoK elections as a "cosmetic electoral exercise" and linked the ongoing unrest to Pakistan's denial of fundamental rights to the people of the region.&nbsp;Questions over the credibility of the elections also intensified after the JAAC and Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) released multiple videos purportedly showing empty polling booths across PoK.&nbsp;The challenges facing the Munir-led military establishment extend beyond PoK. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, former Prime Minister Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, received a massive welcome as she launched a campaign demanding his release.&nbsp;She called for an end to his solitary confinement and sought immediate medical treatment for the PTI founder, who has remained in jail for nearly three years.&nbsp;The developments raise a key question.&nbsp;With unrest stretching from Balochistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are the PoK elections merely an attempt to divert attention from Munir's deadly crackdown?&nbsp;With allegations of widespread rigging already overshadowing the first phase—where the PML-N won 9 of the 13 seats—Pakistan continues to face mounting scrutiny.

According to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), at least 14 of its activists were killed on Monday alone during the first phase of the so-called assembly elections in PoK.

Even as the first phase of what critics call a farcical election unfolded in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the crackdown by Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's forces showed no signs of slowing. Following the latest escalation, the death toll among PoK civilians has reportedly climbed to 67. Chaos erupted at a busy marketplace in Mirpur after Munir's forces allegedly opened fire on civilians. At least five to six people were reportedly killed as panic gripped the area and locals scrambled for safety. Gunshots echoed across the marketplace, while thick smoke billowed from a nearby shop. Despite Pakistan's attempts to downplay the violence, the situation on the ground paints a different picture. According to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), at least 14 of its activists were killed on Monday alone during the first phase of the so-called assembly elections in PoK. More than 28 others were reportedly injured. The latest crackdown came after the JAAC launched its long march towards Muzaffarabad. The protests were originally triggered by the ban on the civil society group. On June 9, thousands of JAAC supporters began a sit-in at Rawalakot's Eidgah Ground. The group presented 38 demands, including the abolition of 12 seats in the so-called legislative assembly, which it claims are dominated by Pakistan. Instead of negotiations, Islamabad has chosen force, protesters allege. Pakistan frequently speaks about Kashmir on the global stage. But its critics point to what they describe as a glaring contradiction. While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sympathy for victims of the wildfires in France, Pakistan's former UN envoy Maleeha Lodhi publicly questioned why there was no similar expression of grief for those killed in the PoK crackdown. PoK witnessing protests demanding freedom from Pakistan In recent weeks, PoK has witnessed repeated slogans demanding freedom from Pakistan. Protesters have openly described the Pakistani government and military as "illegal occupiers." Meanwhile, India dismissed the PoK elections as a "cosmetic electoral exercise" and linked the ongoing unrest to Pakistan's denial of fundamental rights to the people of the region. Questions over the credibility of the elections also intensified after the JAAC and Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) released multiple videos purportedly showing empty polling booths across PoK. The challenges facing the Munir-led military establishment extend beyond PoK. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, former Prime Minister Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, received a massive welcome as she launched a campaign demanding his release. She called for an end to his solitary confinement and sought immediate medical treatment for the PTI founder, who has remained in jail for nearly three years. The developments raise a key question. With unrest stretching from Balochistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are the PoK elections merely an attempt to divert attention from Munir's deadly crackdown? With allegations of widespread rigging already overshadowing the first phase—where the PML-N won 9 of the 13 seats—Pakistan continues to face mounting scrutiny.

According to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), at least 14 of its activists were killed on Monday alone during the first phase of the so-called assembly elections in PoK.

PoK violence escalates: 67 dead as India rejects Pakistan's polls as a 'cosmetic exercise' | Gravitas

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine of the 13 seats in the first phase of elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to preliminary results released by the region's Election Commission on Tuesday. India does not recognise the elections, calling them an attempt by Islamabad to legitimise its illegal occupation of the region. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) said at least 14 of its activists were killed and more than two dozen injured in clashes with law enforcement personnel during polling.&nbsp;The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) secured the remaining four seats. However, the first phase of polling was overshadowed by allegations of large-scale rigging and violence.&nbsp;The PML-N, led by Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, and the PPP, led by the Bhutto family, are both coalition partners in Pakistan's federal government.&nbsp;Soon after the results, the PPP accused the ruling party of manipulating the outcome.&nbsp;"Our winning seats have been gifted to the PML-N," PPP senior leader Nayyar Bokhari alleged, claiming irregularities in seven constituencies.&nbsp;Several PPP leaders also urged the Election Commission to withhold the official results until complaints of rigging were investigated.&nbsp;The JAAC, a group banned by the so-called government in PoK, also alleged rigging in seven constituencies. The group said the number of martyrs had reached 67 between June 5 and July 28.&nbsp;Elections for 45 contested seats in the so-called legislative assembly are being held in three phases between July 27 and August 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cosmetic-exercise-mea-slams-pok-polls-calls-it-bid-to-legitimise-illegal-occupation-1785241905461">'Cosmetic exercise': MEA slams PoK polls, says bid to legitimise 'illegal occupation'</a>&nbsp;India criticised the electoral exercise, accusing Islamabad of using it to cover up its illegal occupation of the region and conceal illegal occupation and grave human rights violations.&nbsp;"The current cosmetic electoral exercise is nothing but an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its illegal occupation and hide its grave human rights violations in the region. As we have stated earlier, the ongoing mass protest in PoJK, of which you are aware, is the direct consequence of economic exploitation, its denial of fundamental rights to the people and its administrative operations," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.&nbsp;The contest in PoK is mainly between the PML-N and PPP as former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has boycotted the elections.&nbsp;The PoK legislative assembly has 53 seats. Of these, 45 are directly elected, while eight seats are reserved for women, technocrats and clerics.&nbsp;The JAAC also alleged that its activists faced violence during the election process. It said more than two dozen people were injured in clashes with law enforcement personnel during the first phase of polling.

The first phase of PoK polls was marred by widespread violence, with the JAAC claiming 14 activists were killed and more than two dozen injured as the PML-N won nine of 13 seats amid rigging allegations.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine of the 13 seats in the first phase of elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to preliminary results released by the region's Election Commission on Tuesday. India does not recognise the elections, calling them an attempt by Islamabad to legitimise its illegal occupation of the region. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) said at least 14 of its activists were killed and more than two dozen injured in clashes with law enforcement personnel during polling. The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) secured the remaining four seats. However, the first phase of polling was overshadowed by allegations of large-scale rigging and violence. The PML-N, led by Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, and the PPP, led by the Bhutto family, are both coalition partners in Pakistan's federal government. Soon after the results, the PPP accused the ruling party of manipulating the outcome. "Our winning seats have been gifted to the PML-N," PPP senior leader Nayyar Bokhari alleged, claiming irregularities in seven constituencies. Several PPP leaders also urged the Election Commission to withhold the official results until complaints of rigging were investigated. The JAAC, a group banned by the so-called government in PoK, also alleged rigging in seven constituencies. The group said the number of martyrs had reached 67 between June 5 and July 28. Elections for 45 contested seats in the so-called legislative assembly are being held in three phases between July 27 and August 10. Also Read: 'Cosmetic exercise': MEA slams PoK polls, says bid to legitimise 'illegal occupation' India criticised the electoral exercise, accusing Islamabad of using it to cover up its illegal occupation of the region and conceal illegal occupation and grave human rights violations. "The current cosmetic electoral exercise is nothing but an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its illegal occupation and hide its grave human rights violations in the region. As we have stated earlier, the ongoing mass protest in PoJK, of which you are aware, is the direct consequence of economic exploitation, its denial of fundamental rights to the people and its administrative operations," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. The contest in PoK is mainly between the PML-N and PPP as former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has boycotted the elections. The PoK legislative assembly has 53 seats. Of these, 45 are directly elected, while eight seats are reserved for women, technocrats and clerics. The JAAC also alleged that its activists faced violence during the election process. It said more than two dozen people were injured in clashes with law enforcement personnel during the first phase of polling.

The first phase of PoK polls was marred by widespread violence, with the JAAC claiming 14 activists were killed and more than two dozen injured as the PML-N won nine of 13 seats amid rigging allegations.

Pakistan PM's PML-N wins first phase of PoK polls amid widespread violence, rigging claims

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India demands international scrutiny of Pakistan’s actions in PoJK as civilian deaths mount

67 killed in PoK crackdown as India calls polls a 'cosmetic exercise' | Gravitas

Pakistan PM's PML-N wins first phase of PoK polls amid violence, rigging claims