Kathmandu— The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has strongly condemned the so-called local elections held in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir, calling them a 'complete farce.' Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for its actions, highlighting widespread protests and human rights violations.

Human Rights Violations Exposed

Since June this year, at least 90 civilians have lost their lives in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir due to the crackdown by Pakistani forces. The MEA spokesperson emphasized that these atrocities include blackouts, intimidation, and repression aimed at silencing dissent. 'The Pakistani Establishment has answered public discontent with bullets, blackouts, intimidation and repression,' said Randhir Jaiswal.

Global Concerns Over Electoral Process

Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ Asia) have issued urgent statements condemning escalating state violence, press restrictions, and media suppression surrounding ongoing protests in Rawalakot and across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. These watchdog groups have raised alarms over enforced disappearances of journalists, restrictions on foreign outlets, and widespread internet shutdowns.

The MEA's criticism comes as a brutal crackdown continues against the civilian population in PoJK amid local elections that have faced significant logistical failures and ongoing protests.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.