India slammed Pakistan for spreading fake news and misinformation, calling it a “desperate attempt” to mask Islamabad’s own “failings” and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses in the ongoing crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Responding to queries regarding the protests in PoK, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that there are reports of “severe police brutality” in the region, which have resulted in the loss of several lives.
“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,” he stated.
There are reports of severe police brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in which several people have been killed and many injured. We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses,” Jaiswal added.
At least 12 people, including eight protesters and four security personnel, have been killed as clashes erupted between the members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot city of PoK, according to IANS, local media reported.
Meanwhile, local authorities have also confirmed that several security officials were injured.
As per Pakistani daily ‘The News International’, after the incident, strict security arrangements have been put in place.
The clashes have been reported days after the concerned government declared JAAC a proscribed group under anti-terrorism laws ahead of its planned protest on June 9.
Rawalakot has become the epicentre of a wave of protests across PoK after authorities launched a crackdown on activists linked to the JAAC, a report stated.
Citing local activists and members of the movement, the ‘European Times’ reported that tensions intensified after authorities designated the JAAC as a banned organisation and rolled out a series of security measures ahead of its planned long march.
The protestors have also alleged that internet services across PoK had been suspended since the night of June 5, severely disrupting communication.
According to the report, public outrage intensified following reports that Shahzaib Habib and Amjid Kashmiri, both from JAAC, lost their lives during confrontations tied to the ongoing demonstrations.
It added that their deaths have become a focal point of the movement, with protesters accusing security forces of using excessive force against peaceful protesters.
