PoK tensions rise as JAAC launches long march after talks with Pakistan authorities fail; calls for restraint
Islamabad, July 27
The United Kashmir People's National Party on Monday called on the Pakistani authorities to exercise restraint and refrain from using force against peaceful protesters participating in the Long March organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad in Pakistan- occupied Kashmir.
Citing reports, the UKPNP claimed that over 40 people lost their lives since June 5 amid ongoing unrest in the occupied territory.
This march came after talks between JAAC and Pakistani authorities reportedly failed to produce a mutually acceptable outcome, prompting a renewed call for public mobilisation.
Taking to social media platform, earlier on Saturday, the JAAC said that the Long March would begin from Mirpur Division on July 26, with caravans converging at the Rawalakot sit-in before proceeding with the march towards Muzaffarabad on July 27.
Following the announcement, the UKPNP said that reports also indicated the deployment of additional Pakistani security forces, including the Rangers, Frontier Constabulary (FC), and Punjab Constabulary (PC), ahead of the planned march.
Reiterating that peaceful protest, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and freedom of expression are fundamental human rights recognised under international human rights law, the UKPNP stressed that "these rights must be respected and protected at all times."
"We call upon the authorities to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from the use of force against peaceful protesters. Protecting human life and safeguarding fundamental freedoms remain the primary responsibility of every state," the group posted on X.
Expressing grave concern over the loss of more than 40 lives, the UKPNP said, "Every reported death or injury should be subject to prompt, thorough, independent, and impartial investigation, with accountability in accordance with the law."
The organisation urged the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, and the wider international community to actively support efforts aimed at protecting civilians, encouraging meaningful dialogue, and promoting a peaceful resolution of the dire situation in PoK.
It further appealed to international media organisations and independent human rights organisations to closely monitor developments, report independently, and document any alleged human rights violations by the Pakistani authorities in the region.
— IANS
Reader Comments
So sad to hear about 40+ lives lost. This is what happens when you suppress people's democratic rights. The international community needs to intervene before things get worse. Pakistan should listen to its own people.
This is concerning. Peaceful protests shouldn't be met with force anywhere. The UN and other countries should push for dialogue. Hope things de-escalate soon.
We need to support our Kashmiri brothers and sisters in PoK. India must take a firm stand and use all diplomatic channels to highlight these atrocities. Pakistan can't keep suppressing people and getting away with it.
The irony is that Pakistan always talks about Kashmir on international forums but can't even treat its own people in PoK with dignity. 40 deaths since June is alarming. Peaceful protests should be allowed, not crushed.
It's troubling to see reports of force being used. Independent investigations into the deaths are necessary. The international community should step in to ensure dialogue happens without violence.
Good to see the UKPNP calling for restraint. But let's be honest, Pakistan has a history of using excessive force in PoK. The world must wake up and see the reality of what's happening there
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