Thousands protest in PoJK's Rawalakot, demand justice for civilians killed by security forces
Rawalkot, June 11
Thousands of people from various parts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir 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.
The gathering, which lasted several hours, saw participants carrying banners and chanting slogans calling for accountability, civil rights, and an end to the use of force against peaceful protesters.
The rally was addressed by local political leaders and representatives of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), who criticised the authorities' handling of the protests and called for an independent investigation into the reported deaths and injuries.
Speakers urged the international community and human rights organisations to take note of the situation and press for justice for the affected families.
Meanwhile, 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.
On June 5, the same day Pakistan announced regional elections scheduled for July 27, authorities suspended internet and mobile services across the territory and imposed restrictions on movement.
Visitors and tourists were advised to leave the region, while reports indicated the deployment of federal paramilitary forces.
According to Amnesty, these measures have effectively isolated the region and severely restricted the flow of information.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an outsider looking in, it's clear that people everywhere just want freedom and basic rights. The international community should definitely step in and investigate these human rights violations. No one deserves to be shot for protesting.
Pakistan calls itself an Islamic republic but treats its own people like this? They suspended internet, deployed paramilitary, and shot at civilians. Meanwhile, they keep crying about 'Kashmiri human rights' at the UN. Hypocrisy at its peak! 🔥
I'm a Canadian journalist and this is incredibly disturbing. Designating a peaceful political group as 'terrorist' is a classic authoritarian move. The people of PoJK deserve solidarity, not bullets. Thank you for covering this.
I just hope our government uses this to expose Pakistan's double standards at the UN. They talk about 'self-determination' for Kashmir but won't even let PoJK people protest peacefully. Also, Amnesty International's report is very damning. 😔
Honestly, as much as I support the protesters, I think India should also introspect. We have our own issues with dissent in Kashmir. But yes, what Pakistan is doing is far worse - shooting your own people and calling them terrorists? Shameful.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.