Human rights activists have strongly condemned the recent crackdown by the Pakistan military on innocent civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and have called upon the United Nations to ensure accountability. A protest was held in front of the UN office in Srinagar, demanding justice for the victims.
Protest for Justice in PoJK
Tasleema Akhter, Chairperson of the Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir, speaking to ANI, stated, 'Today we are here for the cause of people in Pakistan Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and how innocent civilians have been fired upon non-stop by Pakistan's shameful army.' She highlighted that the people were engaged in peaceful protests when the Pakistan Army, under the orders of Asim Munir, unleashed a barrage of bullets on them, comparing the firing to rain. 'Today we are demanding justice for them,' she added.
Memorandum to United Nations
Akhter announced that the group would present a memorandum to the United Nations Office to ensure that justice is delivered to the people of PoJK. She asserted, 'Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is a part of India's Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan is under a false impression that crimes committed against people in PoJK will go unnoticed here. We will not stay silent and will strengthen the voice of their cause.' She condemned Pakistan for gathering funds from around the world under the pretext of PoJK and lamented that they have turned the region into a 'financial business industry.'
Continuing the Struggle for Justice
Ahkter told ANI that they would continue to seek justice undeterred and expressed hope that the United Nations would take cognizance of Pakistan's atrocities and take action to protect human rights. Protesters in PoJK have been demanding accountability, civil rights, and an end to the use of force against peaceful demonstrators by the Pakistani administration.
Massive Protests in Rawalakot
Thousands of people from various parts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir gathered in Rawalakot, raising slogans against what they described as Pakistan's continued occupation and policies in the region. On Wednesday, demonstrators demanded justice for civilians who were reportedly killed and injured during firing by Pakistani security forces amid recent protests.
International Condemnation
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 criticized the decision to designate the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) as a 'proscribed organization' under anti-terrorism legislation. The organization 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.
