Members of the Kashmiri diaspora in Manchester gathered on Tuesday to hold a funeral prayer in absentia for individuals reportedly killed in recent incidents in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Following the prayer, they marched to the Pakistani Consulate, demanding an independent investigation into the deaths.
Prayer Gathering and Protest
According to a press release from the organisers, the gathering was held in memory of Shazeb and others who were allegedly killed during recent incidents in the region. After the prayer ceremony, participants marched to the Pakistani Consulate in Manchester, where they staged a peaceful demonstration and raised concerns over the situation in PoJK.
Carrying placards and banners, protesters called on the international community, the United Nations, and global human rights organisations to take note of what they described as serious violations of fundamental human rights in the region. The demonstrators alleged that peaceful civilians had been subjected to excessive force and suppression while exercising their democratic and civil rights.
Demand for Impartial Inquiry
Speakers at the protest said the reported deaths had generated concern among Kashmiris living abroad and called for an impartial inquiry into the incidents. According to the organisers, several civilians were allegedly killed in Kotli on June 8 during actions involving Pakistani security forces. Protest organisers described the incidents as a grave humanitarian concern and urged international institutions to conduct an independent and transparent investigation.
The participants stressed the importance of accountability and the protection of civil liberties, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and political participation. Demonstrators also observed prayers for the deceased and expressed solidarity with the affected families.
International Attention Sought
Many participants said the reported loss of life had deeply affected Kashmiri communities around the world and underscored the need for greater international attention to developments in the region. At the conclusion of the protest, organisers called on the United Nations, international human rights organisations, and governments worldwide to investigate the reported incidents, ensure accountability for any alleged violations, and support efforts aimed at protecting the rights and dignity of the Kashmiri people.
The demonstration concluded peacefully, with participants reaffirming their commitment to raising awareness about the issue through democratic and lawful means, according to the organisers.
Background of Protests in PoJK
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.
