New Delhi, July 14 (HS): India on Tuesday said the ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) are the direct consequence of Pakistan's decades-long exploitation, denial of fundamental rights and administrative oppression in the illegally occupied territory.

Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said instead of addressing the legitimate grievances of the local population, the Pakistani state has resorted to excessive police action, including against women and children.

He alleged that Pakistan had blocked essential supplies, including food and medicines, imposed internet blackouts and used lethal force against unarmed civilians, resulting in fatalities.

India called upon the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for what it described as serious human rights abuses and misdeeds in the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar