India Dismisses Pakistan's Allegations as 'Fabricated Claims'
India on Tuesday strongly rejected allegations by Pakistan's Defence Minister that New Delhi was involved in the ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the claims as 'fabricated' and accused Islamabad of trying to divert attention from its own failures in the region.
"Such remarks are desperate attempts by Pakistan to cover up its own failures and deflect attention from its human rights abuses. We categorically reject these fabricated claims with the contempt they deserve," Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing.
Root Cause: Economic Exploitation and Denial of Rights
Jaiswal attributed the protests in PoK to decades of systemic economic exploitation and denial of fundamental rights by Pakistan. He described the territory as under "illegal and forcible occupation" by Islamabad.
"The ongoing protests in PoK were a direct consequence of Pakistan's decades-long policy of systemic economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression," he added.
Pakistan's Heavy-Handed Response
The spokesperson condemned Pakistan's response to the protests, citing extreme police brutality, blocking of essential supplies and medicines, internet blackouts, and use of lethal force against unarmed civilians. "Several people have also lost their lives," Jaiswal noted.
He expressed hope that the international community would hold Pakistan accountable for its "misdeeds and abuses."
Background of the Exchange
The remarks came after Pakistan's Defence Minister reportedly blamed India for the recent violence and unrest in PoK, where protests over rising prices, resource distribution, and governance issues have periodically erupted. India maintains that the unrest reflects internal grievances against Pakistan's administration in the illegally occupied territory.
