India has pointed fingers at Pakistan, blaming its policies for the recent protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) against food and electricity prices. The protests, which led to tragic fatalities, erupted amid mounting grievances over rising costs of essential commodities. Pakistan’s response came in the form of a financial package for the region, aimed at quelling the unrest.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the protests are a direct consequence of Pakistan’s systematic exploitation of resources in the occupied territories. India reiterated its stance on the integral status of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, denouncing Pakistan’s forcible occupation.
The provincial government had previously alleged Indian interference in instigating the protests. Meanwhile, local groups, particularly the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, have been advocating for subsidies on electricity and wheat flour, highlighting the economic strain faced by residents.
The timing of the protests coincides with the International Monetary Fund’s visit to Islamabad to negotiate a new loan agreement. The IMF’s insistence on subsidy withdrawal, as per previous loan conditions, risks exacerbating social tensions and impeding policy implementation, potentially leading to financial setbacks.
This development underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, with the welfare of Kashmiri residents caught in the crossfire of regional power dynamics.
