New Delhi

India on Tuesday sharply criticised Pakistan over reports of a violent crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), urging the international community to hold Islamabad accountable for alleged human rights violations in the region.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reacted after reports suggested that more than 20 people had been killed and several others injured during police action against demonstrators in different parts of PoK.

Addressing a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal accused Pakistan of attempting to divert international attention from its internal failures and alleged abuses through the circulation of misleading information.

"We continue to witness a pattern of fake news and fabricated videos originating from Pakistan. These are desperate efforts to conceal its shortcomings and distract attention from its own record of human rights violations," Jaiswal said.

Referring to the reported incidents in PoK, he expressed concern over what he described as excessive use of force by Pakistani authorities.

"There are reports of serious police brutality in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, where several protesters have reportedly been killed and many others injured," he said.

Jaiswal added that the international community should take note of these developments and ensure that Pakistan is held responsible for its actions.

"We hope that the global community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses," the spokesperson said.

He was responding to questions regarding the reported deaths and injuries during the protests in PoK.

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India has consistently maintained that Pakistan must address concerns relating to the rights and welfare of people living in territories under its control, while accusing Islamabad of attempting to shift focus through disinformation campaigns.