New Delhi: Amid ongoing civilian protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), India has strongly criticised Pakistan's actions in the region, calling for accountability for its "horrific" human rights violations.

Addressing the weekly presser, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday said, "We have seen reports on protests in several areas of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir, including brutalities by Pakistani forces on innocent civilians."

He further stated that the unrest is a "natural consequence of Pakistan's oppressive" approach towards the region.

"We believe that it is a natural consequence of Pakistan's oppressive approach and its systemic plundering of resources from these territories, which remain under its forcible and illegal occupation. Pakistan must be held accountable for its horrific human rights violations," Jaiswal added.

Civilian unrest escalates in PoJK

The protests, reported in multiple districts of PoJK, have seen civilian demonstrations against economic hardship, lack of basic services, and exploitation by Pakistani authorities. Reports from the region also suggest a heavy-handed response by security forces, leading to casualties and widespread condemnation from local groups.

India has consistently maintained that the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, including areas under Pakistani control, is an integral part of the country.

Meanwhile, thousands attended the funeral on Friday for those killed during days of violent protests in Muzaffarabad, PoJK. Visuals showed large crowds gathering for the funeral procession and prayers.

Protests continue for fifth consecutive day

Protests in PoJK continued for a fifth consecutive day on Friday, spreading after three young men were allegedly martyred by Pakistani forces. Their funeral prayers in Muzaffarabad drew thousands, further intensifying public anger.

The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) is leading the protests, which revolve around a 38-point charter of demands, including political reforms, subsidised wheat flour, reduced electricity tariffs, free education and health facilities, and the end of perks for government officials.

Muzaffarabad has become the epicentre of the agitation, which has spread to multiple districts of PoJK. Shops, markets, and transport services remain shut, bringing life to a standstill.

Political voices and warnings

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Syeda Zahra posted on X on Friday, "The tsunami of Kashmir will hit Muzaffar today." She shared a video on X stating that a report documented large-scale violence inflicted upon the people in PoJK. Despite this, people did not retreat, and the report suggested that after Friday prayers, it would be difficult to control the public. It further highlighted increasing hatred in PoJK towards Islamabad's Central Government.

Government delegation holds talks

Following the unrest, a high-level government delegation held negotiations with a civil society alliance in PoJK, resuming discussions after deadly clashes that left at least 10 people dead and scores critically injured, Dawn reported on Friday.

An eight-member committee, dispatched by Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif, includes federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Amir Muqam, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, Rana Sanaullah, and Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, along with PPP leaders Raja Pervez Ashraf and Qamar Zaman Kaira, and former PoJK president Sardar Masood Khan. They were accompanied by PoJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq.

Negotiations began in the committee room of the Chief Secretary's office in the afternoon, with Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Raja Amjad Ali Khan, and Anjum Zaman Awan from the Muzaffarabad division representing the JKJAAC. The meeting continued until late on Thursday, with talks expected to resume on Friday morning.

JKJAAC vows continued struggle

Addressing mourners, Mir of JKJAAC updated the crowd on the latest developments, vowing that the struggle would continue until key demands are met.

According to Dawn, these demands include the abolition of 12 refugee seats, withdrawal of elite privileges, implementation of a June 2019 High Court decision on power projects in PoJK, and provision of health cards.

He emphasised that before discussing these issues, the alliance would demand the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible for killing "unarmed protesters" in Muzaffarabad, Dhirkot, and other PoJK areas. Mir also sought a public mandate to engage in negotiations, pledging that there would be no compromise on people's rights.

Security measures and resilience of protesters

Security forces have been deployed across PoJK, clearing bridges to block protest marches. Despite an indefinite lockdown and internet blackout imposed by authorities, large protest caravans have pushed through blockades to join the movement.