Protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) entered their 36th consecutive day today, with thousands gathering in Rawalakot amid growing unrest. Addressing the rally, Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) leader Sardar Amman Khan accused Pakistan of forcibly occupying the region. He said PoJK is an “occupied territory” and not a “disputed territory”.
He vowed that the movement would continue until “victory”, even if protesters had to sacrifice their lives. The rally witnessed strong anti-Pakistan slogans, with demonstrators pledging to continue their agitation.
Meanwhile, the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) strongly condemned the reported killing of six civilians by Pakistani security forces during clashes in Rawalakot. Reports said the civilians were killed after security personnel opened fire on protesters.
The UKPNP has demanded an independent international investigation into the reported killings, excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and restrictions imposed on civilians.
It urged Pakistan to stop the use of lethal force, end arbitrary detentions and intimidation, and ensure due legal process for all detainees. The party also called for restoring access to food, medicines, healthcare and humanitarian aid, lifting communication restrictions and ensuring freedom of movement.
The UKPNP appealed to the United Nations, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and the wider international community to send an independent fact-finding mission to investigate the reported human rights violations.