Kashmiri diaspora protests in UK, raises concerns over human rights violations in PoJK
Bradford, June 9
Members of the Kashmiri diaspora from across the United Kingdom gathered in Bradford on Tuesday to protest against what they described as ongoing human rights violations, political repression and the use of force against civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistani forces in the region.
According to a release, the peaceful demonstration saw the participation of community members, activists and supporters who called for greater international attention to the situation in the region.
Protesters carried banners and placards demanding justice, accountability and protection of fundamental rights.
According to the organisers, participants expressed concerns over the reported human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, claiming that people in the region continue to face restrictions on civil liberties, political repression and other forms of state action.
The demonstrators urged the international community to take note of the situation and ensure that the rights and dignity of the people of the region are protected.
Speakers at the protest called on international human rights organisations, the United Nations and global judicial institutions to undertake independent and impartial investigations into reported human rights violations.
They also appealed for measures aimed at safeguarding democratic freedoms, security and fundamental rights in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
"The demonstrators called upon international human rights organisations, the United Nations, and international judicial institutions to conduct independent and impartial investigations into all reported human rights violations. They further appealed for effective measures to safeguard the fundamental freedoms, security, and democratic rights of the people of Pakistan-administered Kashmir," the release stated.
Representatives of the Kashmiri diaspora said the protest was intended to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people in the region and to advocate for justice through peaceful and democratic means.
The organisers stated that they would continue their campaign to draw international attention to the issue and called for sustained monitoring of the situation by global institutions.
The protesters further urged the international community to uphold international human rights standards and ensure accountability for any alleged violations committed against civilians in the region.
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 some attention on PoJK! The Pakistani narrative has always been that the only human rights issue is in Indian Kashmir. Now the world can see the reality across the LOC. High electricity bills, paramilitary crackdowns - sounds familiar? The irony is that they have been crying foul about India for so long, while their own house is in disorder. 😤
As an Indian, I feel for the people of PoJK. They are caught between Pakistan's military and their own aspirations. The protests are a cry for basic rights - food, electricity, democratic representation. India should support them not as a political move, but because human rights are universal. The UN must act, but I doubt Pakistan will allow any impartial investigation.
Interesting that the very same people who scream about Indian Kashmir are now protesting against Pakistan. The double standards are glaring. Pakistan occupied Kashmir has always been a military zone, not a democracy. The so-called "Azad Kashmir" is anything but free. I just hope the international media covers this with equal enthusiasm as they cover Indian Kashmir. 🤔
While I'm glad the diaspora is speaking up, I wish the international community would apply the same standard to all of Kashmir. The suffering of people in PoJK is tragic, but let's not forget the situation in Indian Kashmir either. Both sides need accountability. Having said that, Pakistan's paramilitary crackdown on its own citizens is unforgivable. My heart goes out to the families of those killed. 🙏
The audacity of Pakistan to lecture India on human
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