India on Tuesday intensified its criticism of Pakistan over elections held in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, describing the electoral exercise as a “complete farce.” New Delhi also condemned the reported killing of at least 90 civilians during a crackdown by Pakistani forces, accusing Islamabad of using excessive force against protesters.
The statement marked India’s second sharp response to developments in the region within four days. Indian officials alleged that peaceful demonstrations had been met with a “ruthless” security operation, resulting in significant civilian casualties. The reported death toll and circumstances surrounding the killings were presented as Indian allegations in the information available.
On July 31, India had urged the international community to examine the situation and hold Pakistan accountable for what it described as continuing “atrocities” in the region. New Delhi maintained that developments surrounding the elections and protests required greater international scrutiny, particularly in light of the reported use of force against civilians.
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Protests were reported in Muzaffarabad and other areas, with supporters of the outlawed Joint Awami Action Committee blocking roads and demanding broader political rights. Among their stated demands was the abolition of 12 legislative seats reserved for refugees, an arrangement that protesters reportedly argue affects political representation within the regional legislature.
India’s latest comments combine its long-standing position on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir with criticism of Islamabad’s handling of internal dissent there. By questioning the legitimacy of the elections and highlighting the reported civilian deaths, New Delhi sought to challenge Pakistan’s claims regarding political participation and democratic governance in the territory.
The information provided did not include an immediate response from Pakistan to India’s latest allegations. Independent confirmation of the reported casualty figure and detailed circumstances of the crackdown was also unavailable. The exchange is likely to deepen tensions between the two countries, whose competing claims over Jammu and Kashmir have remained a major source of dispute for decades.
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