India slams Pakistan's "desperate" fake news campaign to mask human rights abuses in PoJK
New Delhi, June 9
India on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Pakistan regarding the ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, accusing Islamabad of using fake news to mask its systemic failures and severe human rights violations.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, responding to queries during the regular media briefing, highlighted a recurring pattern of misinformation originating from Pakistan.
"We continue to see in this context a pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan. It is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to cover up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses," Jaiswal said in response to a question by ANI.
Jaiswal expressed grave concern over the heavy-handed crackdown by Pakistani security forces on civilians who have been protesting against economic hardship and lack of basic rights in the occupied territory.
"There are reports of severe police brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in which several protestors have been killed and many injured," the MEA spokesperson added.
Jaiswal stated that the world must take note of the deteriorating situation in the region. "We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses," he said.
The remarks come amid widespread protests in PoJK, where residents have taken to the streets to demonstrate over issues including governance, economic hardship, and the allocation of reserved legislative seats. Soaring inflation, high electricity bills, and the scarcity of essential commodities are some of the other issues over which the protestors are demonstrating.
Local media reports have suggested that the Pakistani administration has deployed paramilitary forces to quell the dissent, leading to violent clashes and casualties.
Clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Rawalakot and other areas have reportedly left several people dead and many injured, triggering widespread condemnation and calls for an independent investigation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an outsider looking in, it's alarming how Pakistan treats its own people in PoJK. The inflation and police brutality there are well-documented by human rights groups. India is right to call this out—it's not just politics, it's about real suffering.
I wish our government would focus more on issues within India too, like unemployment and farmer protests. Yes, Pakistan is wrong, but let's not use this to distract from our own problems. Still, the plight of those PoJK residents is heartbreaking—they deserve better than being pawns in a cross-border blame game.
This is the same Pakistan that cries 'Kashmir' every day but can't even manage the part they illegally occupy. Irony much? Their economy is in shambles, and they're busy killing their own citizens. India's stand is clear: expose the hypocrisy!
I've read reports from Amnesty International about the crackdowns in PoJK. It's brutal. India's stance is justified, but the international community needs to act beyond just statements. Sanctions? Special rapporteurs? Something more concrete is needed.
Honestly, it's sad how Pakistan uses fake news as a weapon. Our soldiers have faced that on the border too. But my heart goes out to the people of PoJK—they're trapped between a corrupt administration and a military that sees them as expendable. India should offer humanitarian aid if possible, just to show we care about the people, not politics.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.