New Delhi: The external affairs ministry has decried what it has called “horrific human rights violations” during protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.On being asked by reporters to comment on the protests in which at least nine people have died during violent clashes between agitators and security forces, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen reports on protests in several areas of Pakistan occupied Jammu & Kashmir, including brutalities by Pakistani forces on innocent civilians.”Three of those killed in the protests were police officers, according to reports.The MEA added that the protests were a consequence of Pakistan’s oppression. “We believe that it is a natural consequence of Pakistan’s oppressive approach and its systemic plundering of resources from these territories, which remain under its forcible and illegal occupation,” Jaiswal said.He then added that “Pakistan must be held accountable for its horrific human rights violations.”Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has seen agitation for on economic and political demands for the last two years. The current protests are led by Shaukat Nawaz Mir of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which comprises students, businessmen, and professionals.As the JAAC imposed a lockdown in the PoK area, the Pakistan government, reports Al Jazeera, imposed a complete communications blackout, with residents cut off from mobile telecommunications and internet access since September 28.Incidentally, across the border in Ladakh, at around the same time, violent protests led to the death of four civilians in security forces’ firing on September 24. The protests, arising from a peaceful agitation, has led to the arrest of the environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk under stringent provisions of the National Security Act.