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.“
