UK: Kashmiri diaspora protests outside Pakistani embassy against rights violations in PoJK
London, June 22
Members of the Kashmiri diaspora staged a peaceful protest outside the Pakistani Embassy in London, drawing attention to what they described as a 15-day siege in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the alleged killing of Kashmiri civilians.
Holding placards and raising slogans, the protesters condemned the reported human rights violations and urged the international community, the United Nations, and global human rights organisations to intervene.
They called for immediate action to protect the rights of the people of PoJK and address what they described as a worsening humanitarian situation. The demonstrators also vowed to continue highlighting the issue on international platforms until justice, peace, and the right to self-determination are achieved.
Addressing Pakistani officials outside the embassy, Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance Chairman Mahmood Kashmiri accused Islamabad of failing to honour its commitments to the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee.
"Pakistan had reached an agreement with the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee. Both the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Kashmir acknowledged that our demands were legitimate. But when the time came to implement the agreement, the committee was declared a terrorist organisation," he alleged.
Mahmood Kashmiri further claimed that Pakistan had deployed thousands of security personnel across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), creating an atmosphere of fear among residents. He demanded the withdrawal of Pakistani forces from the region and called for those allegedly responsible for the killing of Kashmiri civilians to be held accountable.
He also announced that demonstrations would continue internationally. "Until these forces are withdrawn and those responsible for the killings are arrested, we will continue protesting around the world. On June 26, we will protest outside the United Nations and tell the world what is happening in PoJK," he said.
The alliance chairman further alleged that several residents of Rawalakot had been killed by Pakistani security forces, while hundreds had been abducted or injured. He claimed that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) was under an effective siege, with restrictions preventing food, medicines, and other essential supplies from entering the region.
"No food is being allowed in. Medicines are not being allowed in. Cancer patients have been deprived of their medicines, and even milk bottles for children have been confiscated," he claimed. Questioning Pakistan's actions, Mahmood Kashmiri said Kashmiris were pursuing their demands peacefully and urged Islamabad to recognise what he described as their legitimate rights instead of responding with force.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Sad to hear about cancer patients being denied medicines and children's milk being confiscated. This is not about politics anymore — it's about basic humanity. Hope the UN takes notice before it's too late. 🇮🇳✊
I've always believed that the people of PoJK deserve the same rights as anyone else. But I wish India would also address its own issues in Kashmir more transparently. Both sides need to stop using Kashmir as a political football and focus on the people's welfare.
This is exactly what we've been saying for years — Pakistan's occupation of PoJK is no different from any other form of oppression. Declaring the Awami Action Committee as a terrorist organization just shows their true colors. Kashmiris everywhere deserve freedom and dignity. ✊
It's heartbreaking that even in 2024, basic supplies like food and medicine are being blocked. These are ordinary people, not pawns in a geopolitical game. I hope the protests in London and the upcoming UN demonstration make a real difference. 🙏
As someone who follows South Asian affairs, this is a serious allegation. If true, the siege and killings are unacceptable under international law. The UN needs to investigate and hold Pakistan accountable. But let's not forget that India also has obligations in its part of Kashmir.
S We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.