'Desperate bid to cover up failings': India flays Pakistan for 'brutality' in PoK; 11 protesters killed

NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Tuesday condemned reports of violence against protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Responding to the situation, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had observed “a pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan” in connection with the protests. “It is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to cover up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses,” he said.Also read: Six security forces killed as terrorists storm post in Peshawar amid growing unrest in PakistanJaiswal also referred to reports of excessive force being used against civilians in PoK. “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,” he added.His remarks came as tensions continued to escalate across PoK following deadly clashes between protesters and Pakistani security forces. A shutdown strike remained in effect in several areas, while reports suggested that communication services had been disrupted after violence in Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad. Demonstrations have spread across multiple towns, including Bhimbar and Kotli, with hundreds of people taking part in anti-government protests.According to reports, at least eleven civilians were killed during clashes on Sunday night.The unrest has also attracted international attention. More than 50 British parliamentarians have written to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressing concern over reports of a communications blackout, arrests and escalating tensions in PoK. In their letter, the lawmakers said British Kashmiris had struggled to contact relatives in the region and warned that restrictions on communications risked worsening an already volatile situation.