The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday, 18 August called on the international community to extend sympathy and solidarity to the residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), citing a deepening humanitarian crisis marked by shortages of essential commodities and reported violence by Pakistani security forces. The statement came as mass protests swept across PoK over the weekend, drawing thousands onto the streets.

What the MEA Said

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking at a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, said the situation on the ground had grown increasingly dire. 'Many lives have been lost there, and a large number of people have suffered casualties and injuries... Severe restrictions have been imposed on essential commodities and everyday items. The situation is such that the local population needs and deserves sympathy and solidarity from the international community,' Jaiswal said.

This marks one of India's most direct public appeals for global attention to conditions in PoK, framing the crisis in humanitarian rather than purely territorial terms.

Protests Sweep Across PoK

Thousands of residents took to the streets across PoK over the weekend in rallies expressing support for the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and protesting what demonstrators described as sustained brutality by Pakistani forces over recent months. Demonstrations were reported in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bokhara, and Mandhol, with videos circulating on social media showing large crowds gathered in public spaces.

In Bokhara, a significant number of women and children carrying flags participated in a rally, chanting slogans including 'Inquilab ayega' — meaning 'revolution would take place'. A separate rally involving thousands of women and children was also reported in the Mandhol area of PoK's Poonch district.

JAAC Alleges Security Force Firing

The JAAC alleged that Pakistani security forces opened fire on protesters in Rawalakot, injuring several people. In a post on X, the committee said: 'Once again, the people of Rawalakot took to the streets in support of the Action Committee and raised their voices against the forces' brutal violence.' A video shared by the JAAC on X showed individuals gathered in a room while a man was reportedly receiving medical treatment, with a voice in the video claiming that security forces had fired on the crowd. The JAAC urged international human rights organisations and media to monitor the situation.

These allegations have not been independently verified, and Pakistani authorities have not publicly responded to the specific claims as of this report.

Broader Context

The MEA's appeal comes amid a pattern of periodic unrest in PoK, where the JAAC — a civil society coalition — has led agitation campaigns over issues including electricity tariff hikes, flour shortages, and governance grievances. India has consistently maintained that PoK is an integral part of its territory, illegally occupied by Pakistan. New Delhi's decision to raise the humanitarian dimension at a formal briefing signals an effort to internationalise the discourse beyond the bilateral framework.

What Comes Next

With the JAAC vowing to continue protests and international human rights groups being urged to intervene, the situation in PoK is likely to remain in focus. Whether global bodies respond to India's call for solidarity — or treat it as a bilateral political matter — will shape the next phase of this developing crisis.