Indian activist slams Pakistani Army for crackdown on innocent civilians in PoJK; demands justice
Srinagar, June 11
Human rights activists have condemned the Pakistan military's recent crackdown on innocent civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and urged the United Nations to demand accountability.
Holding a protest in front of the UN office demanding justice, Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir Chairperson, Tasleema Akhter, told ANI, "Today we are here for the cause of people in Pakistan Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and how innocent civilians have been fired upon non-stop by Pakistan's shameful army."
She highlighted how the people were peacefully protesting, and the Pakistan Army, under the orders of Asim Munir, fired innumerable bullets on innocent civilians, comparing them to rain.
"Today we are demanding ustice for them," she said.
Akhter said that the group would present the memorandum to the United Nations Office so that justice is delivered to the people of PoJK.
"Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is a part of India's Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan is under a false impression that crimes committed against people in PoJK will go unnoticed here. We will not stay silent and strengthen the voice of their cause," she said.
She condemned how Pakistan has gathered funds from across the world in the name of PoJK and lamented how they have turned PoJK into a "financial business industry".
Ahkter told ANI that they would continue to seek justice unperturbed, and hoped that the United Nations would take cognisance of Pakistan's atrocities and take action to protect human rights.
Protestors in PoJK have been calling for accountability, civil rights, and an end to the use of force against peaceful protesters by the Pakistani administration.
Thousands of people from various parts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) gathered in Rawalakot and raised slogans against what they described as Pakistan's continued occupation and policies in the region.
The demonstrators on Wednesday demanded justice for civilians who were reportedly killed and injured during firing by Pakistani security forces amid recent protests.
Amnesty International strongly condemned Pakistan's sweeping crackdown on protests in PoJK, accusing authorities of using excessive force, suppressing dissent, and violating fundamental human rights ahead of upcoming regional elections. Amnesty criticised the decision to designate the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) as a "proscribed organisation" under anti-terrorism legislation.
Amnesty described the move as unlawful and disproportionate, arguing that it represents a serious attack on freedom of association and peaceful political activism. The crackdown intensified after negotiations between the JKJAAC and authorities reportedly collapsed over the composition of the region's legislature.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is heartbreaking to read. Innocent people being fired upon for peacefully protesting is a human rights violation that cannot be ignored. The UN must act and hold Pakistan accountable. Also, it's shocking that they designated the JKJAAC as a proscribed organization – that's a clear attack on democratic rights. We stand with the people of PoJK in their demand for justice. 🙏
As an international observer, it's clear that the Pakistani military's crackdown in PoJK is a gross violation of human rights. The fact that they're using anti-terrorism laws to silence peaceful political activism is deeply concerning. Amnesty International's condemnation is well-founded. I hope the UN takes this matter seriously and demands immediate accountability from Pakistan.
The irony is that Pakistan collects funds from around the world claiming to support Kashmiris, but then treats their own people in PoJK like this. Tasleema Akhter is absolutely right – PoJK has become a "financial business industry" for them. The people there deserve better. India must continue to raise this issue at every international forum until justice is delivered. 🇮🇳
While I support the cause fully, I wish there was more balanced coverage from international media. The world quickly condemns actions by some countries but remains silent when Pakistan does the same. The people of PoJK have been suffering under military occupation for decades. The UN must act and ensure that peaceful protests are protected under international law, not met with bullets.
It's disheartening to see
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