Why POK is on the boil: India blames Pakistan’s decades-long systemic exploitation

Protests across multiple districts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) on Tuesday (July 14, 2026), a day ahead of the July 15 long march call by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), have drawn attention in India amid indications of a deepening agitation there.

PoJK has been witnessing protests since last month over various issues. On Monday (July 13, 2026), eight major protests were reportedly held and fresh clashes in Sudhnoti and Mathiyal Mera resulted in several casualties, as per Indian agencies.

Responding to a query at a press briefing on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “The ongoing protests in the PoJK are a direct consequence of Pakistan’s decades-long systemic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation.”