Kashmiri diaspora in Manchester holds prayer gathering, seeks probe into reported killings in PoJK
Manchester, June 9
Members of the Kashmiri diaspora gathered in Manchester on Tuesday to hold a funeral prayer in absentia for individuals reportedly killed in recent incidents in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, before marching to the Pakistani Consulate to demand an independent investigation into the deaths.
According to a press release issued by the organisers, the gathering was held in memory of Shazeb and others who were allegedly killed during recent incidents in the region.
Following the prayer ceremony, participants marched to the Pakistani Consulate in Manchester, where they staged a peaceful demonstration and raised concerns over the situation in PoJK.
Carrying placards and banners, protesters called on the international community, the United Nations and global human rights organisations to take note of what they described as "serious violations of fundamental human rights" in the region.
The demonstrators alleged that "peaceful civilians have been subjected to excessive force and suppression while exercising their democratic and civil rights."
Speakers at the protest said the reported deaths had generated concern among Kashmiris living abroad and called for an impartial inquiry into the incidents.
According to the organisers, several civilians were allegedly killed in Kotli on June 8 during actions involving Pakistani security forces. Protest organisers described the incidents as a "grave humanitarian concern" and urged international institutions to conduct an "independent and transparent investigation" into the events.
The participants stressed the importance of accountability and the protection of civil liberties, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and political participation.
Demonstrators also observed prayers for the deceased and expressed solidarity with the affected families.
Many participants said the reported loss of life had deeply affected Kashmiri communities around the world and underscored the need for greater international attention to developments in the region.
At the conclusion of the protest, organisers called on the United Nations, international human rights organisations and governments around the world to investigate the reported incidents, ensure accountability for any alleged violations and support efforts aimed at protecting the rights and dignity of the Kashmiri people.
The demonstration concluded peacefully, with participants reaffirming their commitment to raising awareness about the issue through democratic and lawful means, according to the organisers.
This comes after widespread protests in PoJK, where residents have taken to the streets to demonstrate over issues including governance, economic hardship, and the allocation of reserved legislative seats.
Soaring inflation, high electricity bills, and the scarcity of essential commodities are some of the other issues over which the protestors are demonstrating.
Local media reports have suggested that the Pakistani administration has deployed paramilitary forces to quell the dissent, leading to violent clashes and casualties.
Clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Rawalakot and other areas have reportedly left several people dead and many injured, triggering widespread condemnation and calls for an independent investigation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, the world is seeing the truth about Pakistan's hypocrisy. They talk about human rights but can't even protect people in their own territory. The UN must step in now. Prayers for the victims and their families. 🙏
It's good that the diaspora is organizing, but let's be careful with narratives. Both India and Pakistan have issues in Kashmir. We need independent investigations, not just one-sided condemnations. The focus should be on civilian welfare, not political point-scoring.
This is exactly why Article 370 was abrogated - to bring Kashmiris into India's mainstream and away from Pakistan's oppression. PoJK is a living example of how people suffer under Pakistani rule. The world must see this clearly. @UN please take notice.
I appreciate the peaceful nature of this protest. The diaspora is showing how democratic dissent should be conducted. However, I hope the international community also presses for similar accountability from all parties involved in Kashmir. The people deserve peace, not propaganda.
Heartbreaking to hear about the deaths in Kotli. Pakistan has been using its military to suppress people for decades, and now it's happening in PoJK too. Time for India to raise this issue at the UN and demand a plebiscite as promised in 1948. Kashmir belongs to its people!
E