Leaders across Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, 11 June sharply condemned the Pakistani Army as 'inhuman' and drew pointed contrasts with the Indian Army, following reports that more than 20 people were killed when security forces opened fire on protesters in several parts of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The killings have triggered widespread outrage, with condemnations emerging from political figures and analysts across the region.

NC Leader Condemns PoK Killings

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) leader Shafqat Mir called the incident a 'crime', saying: 'It is very unfortunate that the Pakistan Army is carrying out atrocities against the people of PoK.' He attributed the unrest partly to rising unemployment, arguing that frustrated youth were compelled to take to the streets. 'I believe that incident in PoK points towards rising unemployment in the state since the youth is frustrated which is why people had to come out to protest,' Mir said.

Drawing a direct comparison between the two armies, Mir stated: 'The Pakistani Army do not possess kindness and humanity. It should look after the safekeeping of its civilians. We Indians are fortunate that our Army is greater than even governments.' He also called on India to raise its voice internationally against the killings, adding: 'Killing of innocents anywhere can never be justified.'

Analyst Calls for Global Condemnation

Political analyst Farooq Wani noted that protests against the crackdown have spread across the world, including within Jammu and Kashmir. He described the Pakistani military's action as 'completely inhuman' and urged global leaders to speak out. 'Since the creation of Pakistan, the nation has always been dominated by its Army. But today they have reached a limit where they killed and injured our people, even as they were only agitating for their rights,' Wani said.

Wani also reiterated a long-standing political position, asserting that PoK should formally become part of India. 'PoK is an occupied area and one day or the other Pakistan will have to leave it at any cost,' he said. 'If we allow such atrocities on our people there, it would be unfortunate on our end too.'

India-Pakistan Contrast at the Centre of Debate

Both Mir and Wani drew explicit contrasts between conditions in Jammu and Kashmir and in PoK, citing employment, development, and civil liberties as key differentiators. Mir noted that the gap in governance and opportunity is not lost on Pakistani leaders themselves. 'We have employment opportunities and development. Jammu and Kashmir is itself a happy region. Looking at us, their leaders realise how compelled they are,' he said.

This comes amid a broader pattern of civil unrest in PoK over recent months, with residents reportedly protesting against rising prices, unemployment, and administrative neglect. The latest crackdown is, according to reports, among the deadliest responses to civilian demonstrations in the region in recent years.

What Comes Next

International human rights observers have yet to issue a formal response to the reported killings. Calls for a United Nations-level inquiry are reportedly being discussed among diaspora groups and civil society organisations. Whether New Delhi will formally raise the matter at international forums remains to be seen, though voices within Jammu and Kashmir are growing louder in demanding it do so.