Srinagar, July 30: The unrest in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir has escalated further as the Pakistani troops continue to fire on the peaceful protestors in the region. The civilian killings have evoked strong condemnation from J&K leaders.
The volatile situation in PoJK has intensified as demonstrations led by the Joint Awami Action Committee continue to challenge authorities.
The JAAC has been spearheading agitation over 12 disputed seats in the PoJK legislative assembly, demanding accountability and reforms.
Reports said at least 40 to 75 people have been killed by Pakistan Army in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in the last few days.
Pakistani forces used live ammunition and lethal force to disperse demonstrations, leading to high-casualty standoffs in areas like Rawalakot and Mirpur.
According to media reports, over 100 unarmed civilians have been killed by the Pakistani troops since the start of unrest in June.
The region has also witnessed restrictions on movement and communication, with reports of curfew-like measures and disruptions in Internet and telecommunication services.
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have accused security forces of using lethal force against protesters.
JAAC has appealed to the United Nations, international human rights organisations, and democratic governments to intervene, alleging the use of live ammunition and excessive force against peaceful protesters by Pakistani security forces.
The United Nations Human Rights Office expressed severe concern over Islamabad's suppression of peaceful assemblies and the criminalization of civil groups.
In a statement issued, Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Jeremy Laurence, said that the criminalisation of a civil society organisation and imposition of strict limitations on gatherings in POJK raise serious concerns about infringements on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
The latest round of violence earlier this week has further deepened concerns, with visuals of peaceful demonstrators being met with brute force circulating widely on social media.
The political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have rallied behind the protesters, strongly condemning the use of force.
The PDP chief and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti described the scenes as “deeply heartbreaking,” urging Pakistan to adopt a humane approach.
In her post on X, she wrote; “Visuals emerging from across the LoC in the other part of Kashmir are deeply heartbreaking. It is painful to see peaceful protesters being met with brute force. The Government of Pakistan must adopt a more humane approach and choose dialogue over force,”.
She stressed that the protesters’ demands appeared genuine and deserved to be heard. “No nation grows stronger by disempowering its own people or by silencing them at gunpoint,” she said, calling for dignity and justice for Kashmiris.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told reporters in Ganderbal that they are worried over the situation in PoJK.
“The reports coming from there, the way force is being used and innocent people are being targeted; we can only hope that peace is maintained there,” the CM said.
The NC president Farooq Abdullah urged the central government yesterday to break its silence and speak on the PoJK issue.
“If the Government of India considers PoK an integral part of the country, why is it silent? It should raise its voice regarding the killings and hardships faced by the people there,” he said.
Abdullah also appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Commission to visit the region, assess the situation on the ground, and help address the grievances of the people.