India blames Pakistan for protests in PoK, seeks accountability

Protests held in many parts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, a day before the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) called for a long march on July 15, attracted attention over signs of a deepening agitation in India.

PoJK has been witnessing protests on various issues since last month. According to Indian agencies, eight major protests were reported on Monday, July 13, 2026, and many casualties were reported in new clashes in Sudhnoti and Mathiyal Mera.

Responding to a question at a press conference on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “The ongoing protests in PoJK are a direct result of Pakistan’s decades-long systematic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation.”

“Instead of addressing the legitimate grievances of local people, the Pakistani state responded with excessive police brutality against helpless women and children, blocking essential supplies including food and medicine, disrupting the internet, and using lethal force against unarmed civilians, leading to tragic deaths,” he said.

“We expect and hope that the international community will hold Pakistan fully accountable for these egregious abuses and misbehavior,” Mr. Jaiswal said.

JAAC’s call for a long march to Muzaffarabad on July 15 came after the expiration of its ultimatum to the Pakistani government to release detained leaders and activists, implement the 38-point statement of demands and end the ongoing “security crackdown”.