India has urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable over its handling of the ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). New Delhi accused Islamabad of using lethal force against unarmed civilians and continuing what it described as years of exploitation and oppression in the region. The appeal comes as protests across PoJK continue to grow, drawing attention from human rights groups and the international community.

During a media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to questions about the unrest in PoJK. He said the demonstrations reflect the long-standing dissatisfaction of people living in the region. According to Jaiswal, the protests are "a direct consequence of Pakistan's decades-long systemic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation."

Jaiswal said Pakistan has failed to address the concerns raised by the local population. Instead, he accused the authorities of responding with force. He said Pakistan has resorted to "extreme police brutality" and "deploying lethal force against unarmed civilians that has resulted in tragic fatalities," according to reports.

The unrest in PoJK has continued since early June. The situation worsened after Pakistani authorities banned the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) under Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Act. The move triggered widespread protests across the region. Thousands of people joined demonstrations demanding an end to what they described as an economic blockade. Protesters also sought the restoration of communication services, the release of detained leaders and the implementation of a previously signed 38-point written agreement.

India said the protests have turned violent after repeated action by Pakistani security forces. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, more than 27 protesters have lost their lives during clashes with security personnel. Several others have also suffered injuries during the violence.

A human rights report prepared by the JKJAAC Human Rights Cell highlighted the scale of the crackdown. The report recorded at least 14 civilian deaths and more than 70 injuries between June 5 and June 13. Field reports also claimed that three more civilians died and at least eight others sustained injuries during an incident at Dharake/Eidgah Ground in Rawalakot on June 14.

Protest organisers have also raised concerns over mass arrests. They alleged that Pakistani authorities have detained more than 600 workers and political leaders linked to the movement. They further claimed that the administration has imposed an economic blockade by restricting the supply of food, flour and essential medicines. The organisers said these measures have increased hardships for residents across the region.

The developments in PoJK have attracted international attention. Members of the Kashmiri diaspora organised demonstrations outside Pakistani diplomatic missions in the United Kingdom. Several British lawmakers also expressed concern over reports of human rights violations, arrests and communication restrictions in the region. These reactions have added to the growing international focus on the situation.

India has repeatedly criticised Pakistan's handling of PoJK. In June, the Ministry of External Affairs accused Islamabad of trying to suppress public dissent through force while shifting attention away from its own governance challenges. New Delhi maintained that the response of Pakistani authorities has failed to address the demands of the people.

Jaiswal also commented on Pakistan's approach towards the protests. He said the violence reflected "Pakistan's continuing inability to address the concerns of people living in territories under its control." India maintained that the unrest highlights deep-rooted public dissatisfaction and called on the global community to take note of the situation.

The latest violence has added to tensions surrounding the disputed Himalayan region. Observers believe that if the unrest continues, it could increase political instability in PoJK and invite greater international scrutiny of Pakistan's actions. The continuing protests have also renewed discussions on governance, human rights and political representation in the region.

The protest movement has brought long-standing public grievances into focus. Demonstrators have accused Islamabad of economic exploitation, political marginalisation and human rights abuses. Protest leaders have continued to press for action on their demands. The JAAC had earlier announced a "grand and final" response on July 9. However, the group later postponed the programme after holding negotiations with the authorities.

India has maintained that the international community should closely monitor the developments in PoJK. New Delhi has urged global stakeholders to hold Pakistan responsible for the treatment of civilians and to recognise the concerns raised by people living in the region. The government said the ongoing protests reflect deep public frustration and called for accountability over the reported use of force against unarmed demonstrators.