MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (ANI photo) NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday said the ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are the result of Pakistan’s “decades-long systemic exploitation and denial of fundamental rights”. The MEA accused Islamabad of responding to public dissent with excessive force instead of addressing people’s grievances.The remarks were made by ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a media briefing, where he also responded to questions on several foreign policy issues, including the ongoing crisis in West Asia.Responding to a question on the protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Jaiswal said, “The ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are a direct consequence of Pakistan’s decades-long systemic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights and administrative operation in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation. Rather than addressing the legitimate grievances of the local population, the Pakistani state has responded with excessive police brutality… We expect and hope that the international community will hold Pakistan fully accountable for these egregious abuses and misdeeds.”India has consistently maintained that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and has repeatedly accused Pakistan of human rights violations and suppressing the rights of people living in the region.Besides the protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the MEA also responded to developments in West Asia.The MEA said it is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and called for safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz after attacks on commercial vessels in the region.Randhir Jaiswal said India was deeply concerned over the attacks on two ships in which one Indian seafarer was killed.”We are closely following the developments in West Asia. We continue to call for safe and unimpeded navigation and the flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. This is key for ensuring the economic and energy security of people across the world,” he said.Government sources quoted by news agency ANI later said 13 Indians have been killed and three are missing in the Gulf region since February 28, 2026.On reports that former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina plans to return to Bangladesh later this year, Jaiswal said, “Regarding the statement or interview given by the former Bangladesh Prime Minister, there has been no change in our approach to this matter…Any extradition matter is a legal issue, and it will be dealt with accordingly.”Responding to a question on fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, he said, “… Legal proceedings in the matter are on. Once those legal proceedings are completed, then he will be extradited to India.”On the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) statement linking the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Jaiswal said, “We have noted the remarks made by the RCMP (The Royal Canadian Mounted Police) Deputy Commissioner. These remarks are consistent with the recently unsealed US indictment, which attributes responsibility to the members of the Lawrence Bishnoi organised crime group. India remains committed to working with our partners in combating terrorism and transnational organised crime through close law enforcement and security cooperation.”Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over GlitchAssam Pushback Policy: Govt Reveals First Official Data On Repatriation To BangladeshJ&K Court Seeks Records In Rs 550 Crore Alleged Fake Silver Offerings Case At Vaishno Devi ShrineIndia Summons Iran’s Deputy Ambassador After Hormuz Tanker Strike Kills Indian Crew MemberPahalgam Attack: Jammu Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against Hafiz Saeed | WatchOne Indian Crew Member Killed As Iranian Missiles Strike UAE Tankers In Strait Of Hormuz’I’ll Commit Suicide’: Former CEC SY Quraishi Recalls PM Manmohan Singh’s Emotional CallIndia Launches UNSC 2028-29 Bid, Unveils SHANTI Vision For Global Leadership And Reform | Watch’I Will Bow At Every Door’: Narottam Mishra Gets Emotional, Chokes Up At BJP’s Datia Bypoll Rally123PhotostoriesHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before decidingChef Sanjeev Kapoor urges revival of Kerala’s heritage cuisine, shares 5 timeless forgotten dishes worth tryingStop saying ‘We Can’t Afford It’ to your kids: Psychology says these 3 simple phrases work much betterEurope has seen 46°C and beyond: 9 countries that have recorded astonishing heat extremesFrom a private lift, massive indoor swimming pool to a home theatre: Inside Abhishek Malhan’s lavish abodeThese 5 Indian breakfast foods could be the secret to long and healthy locksWimbledon 2026’s richest accessory trend: Luxury celebrity watches that cost more than supercars6 relationship trends that could shape love and dating in 2026–2027: What the Rahu, Ketu & Uranus transits revealKim Kardashian’s new beau Lewis Hamilton is among her ‘favourite people’: Inside the F1 star racer’s dating historyWant glass skin? Start sipping these 5 drinks every day for naturally healthy, glowing skin123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war
NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday said the ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are the result of Pakistan’s “decades-long systemic exploitation and denial of fundamental rights”. The MEA accused Islamabad of responding to public dissent with excessive force instead of addressing people’s grievances.The remarks were made by ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a media briefing, where he also responded to questions on several foreign policy issues, including the ongoing crisis in West Asia.Responding to a question on the protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Jaiswal said, “The ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are a direct consequence of Pakistan’s decades-long systemic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights and administrative operation in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation. Rather than addressing the legitimate grievances of the local population, the Pakistani state has responded with excessive police brutality... We expect and hope that the international community will hold Pakistan fully accountable for these egregious abuses and misdeeds.”India has consistently maintained that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and has repeatedly accused Pakistan of human rights violations and suppressing the rights of people living in the region.Besides the protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the MEA also responded to developments in West Asia.The MEA said it is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and called for safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz after attacks on commercial vessels in the region.Randhir Jaiswal said India was deeply concerned over the attacks on two ships in which one Indian seafarer was killed.“We are closely following the developments in West Asia. We continue to call for safe and unimpeded navigation and the flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. This is key for ensuring the economic and energy security of people across the world,” he said.Government sources quoted by news agency ANI later said 13 Indians have been killed and three are missing in the Gulf region since February 28, 2026.On reports that former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina plans to return to Bangladesh later this year, Jaiswal said, “Regarding the statement or interview given by the former Bangladesh Prime Minister, there has been no change in our approach to this matter…Any extradition matter is a legal issue, and it will be dealt with accordingly.”Responding to a question on fugitive businessman Nirav Modi, he said, “… Legal proceedings in the matter are on. Once those legal proceedings are completed, then he will be extradited to India.”On the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) statement linking the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Jaiswal said, “We have noted the remarks made by the RCMP (The Royal Canadian Mounted Police) Deputy Commissioner. These remarks are consistent with the recently unsealed US indictment, which attributes responsibility to the members of the Lawrence Bishnoi organised crime group. India remains committed to working with our partners in combating terrorism and transnational organised crime through close law enforcement and security cooperation.“
