NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Friday called the Pakistani forces’ brutality on protestors in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) “horrific”, adding that it is a “natural consequence of Pakistan’s oppressive approach,” after 10 people were killed and many injured. Addressing the weekly press briefing in New Delhi, the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the ministry has taken cognisance of the reports on protests in several areas of PoK, including brutalities by Pakistani forces on innocent civilians. “We believe that it is a natural consequence of Pakistan’s oppressive approach and systemic plundering of resources from these territories, which remain under its forcible and illegal occupation,” Jaiswal said. He added that Pakistan must be held accountable for its “horrific human rights violations.”

10 people killed in PoK protest

The protests in several areas of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) continued for a sixth consecutive day on Friday. It spread across several regions after Pakistani forces killed 10 people and injured many, according to a report from Pakistani news website Dawn. The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) led the protest, centred around a 38-point charter that demanded political reforms, subsidised wheat flour, reduced electricity tariffs, free education and health facilities, and the end of perks for government officials.Life in Muzaffarabad, which emerged as the epicentre of the agitation, was brought to a standstill as shops, markets and transport services were shut down.

Fresh clashes reported

According to a report from Reuters, people continued their protest in Muzaffarabad, and clashes between public and security forces were reported on Friday.