India has strongly condemned Pakistan's severe crackdown on peaceful demonstrations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), asserting that over forty civilians were reportedly killed during the violent suppression of these protests. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi criticised Islamabad's actions, stating they expose a profound disdain for the innocent inhabitants of the region.

New Delhi’s condemnation also extended to Pakistan’s own admission of having trained and armed militants. India highlighted that these groups have reportedly turned their aggression inwards, directing their actions against the Pakistani state itself. The Ministry of External Affairs specifically slammed Pakistan over this revelation, noting that it underscores the complex and volatile security landscape within the disputed territory. India views this development as a significant concern, linking the training of such groups to broader instability.

The Indian government views the reported fatalities and the extensive suppression of dissent in PoK as indicative of a systemic issue within Pakistan’s administration of the region. India has consistently maintained its position regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir, including the areas under Pakistani control, and has frequently raised concerns about human rights and governance in PoK. The recent events, marked by a harsh response to civilian protests, further exacerbate the already strained relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The scale of the crackdown, leading to numerous civilian casualties, was described by India as "ruthless," reflecting the gravity of the situation.

The Ministry of External Affairs further stated that Pakistan’s conduct in PoK explicitly reveals its true intentions towards the local population. The violent suppression of what were described as peaceful demonstrations has drawn sharp criticism from India, which has urged Pakistan to uphold international standards in its treatment of its citizens and residents of the disputed region. The allegations of a heavy-handed approach by Pakistani authorities against their own population in PoK have intensified the diplomatic exchange between the two nations.

This incident marks another significant point of contention between India and Pakistan, with New Delhi consistently challenging Islamabad’s claims and actions in the region. The ongoing training of armed groups, as acknowledged by Pakistan itself, continues to be a major source of instability, not only for the immediate region but also for Pakistan’s broader internal security. India’s strong reaction serves to underline its deep concerns over the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the potential implications for regional peace and security, urging for greater accountability and respect for human rights in the territory.