International concern is mounting over reports of civilian deaths during protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with a British MP and Amnesty International calling for an independent investigation….reports Asian Lite News Desk
International concern is growing over reports of violence in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), with British Labour MP Naz Shah and Amnesty International calling for an independent investigation into the alleged use of force against protesters following reports of casualties during demonstrations in Rawalakot and other parts of the region.
British Labour MP for Bradford West Naz Shah condemned the reported deaths of civilians in Mirpur and other areas of PoJK, describing the alleged shooting of peaceful demonstrators as “barbaric.”
In a post on X, Shah said she “totally condemns the killing of innocent people” and pledged to engage with government representatives in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir to seek accountability, condemn the violence and push for immediate steps towards a peaceful resolution.
She also said that speaking out against the killing of innocent people was “a moral and human duty” and that remaining silent would amount to “an injustice to humanity.”
Amnesty International USA also expressed concern over reports that Pakistani security forces used lethal force against protesters in Rawalakot on the opening day of the regional election.
The organisation’s Acting Regional Director for South Asia, Isabelle Lassee, said the allegations were consistent with what Amnesty described as Pakistan’s long history of unlawful violence against protesters in PoJK.
She called for a prompt, independent and transparent investigation into the security forces’ use of force and urged Pakistani authorities to restore internet and mobile communication services, saying the communications blackout was preventing independent verification of events.
Lassee also appealed for unrestricted access to the region for journalists and independent observers to ensure transparency surrounding the reported incidents.
Amnesty International further said tensions surrounding the regional election had been heightened by the ban imposed on the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The organisation reiterated its call for Pakistani authorities to lift the ban and stop using anti-terrorism laws to silence or arbitrarily detain JAAC members and supporters.
The rights group stressed that the ban on the organisation could not be used to justify the use of deadly force against protesters.
According to ANI, the calls for an investigation come amid reports of casualties during demonstrations in Rawalakot and other parts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, although Pakistani authorities have not publicly responded to the allegations made by Amnesty International or Naz Shah.
