Srinagar, June 11: The Pakistan government and army’s continuing acts of violence against civilians in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) was condemned by human rights activist Tasleema Akhtar on Thursday.
Taking to the streets of Srinagar today, Akhtar, who is the Chairperson of the Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir (ATVK), accused Islamabad of leading a pogrom of government-backed violence and bloodshed to suppress the voice of the people and demands for change.
Addressing media near Ghanta Ghar, Lal Chowk, Akhtar said, “I am openly challenging Pakistan that we the people of Jammu and Kashmir will stop their sport of bloodshed against the people of PoJK. I say Murdabad to Pakistan, there were self-interest groups in PoJK who used to claim at one time that they would come to Ghanta Ghar in Srinagar to announce the real Kashmir. Today, I am saying that the only voice that prevails in PoJK is that of Pakistan’s so-called Field Marshal Asim Munir, whatever he wants, that is done. In Pakistan you don’t even have the ability to provide basic essentials to the people of POJK, or reduce the prices of essential goods.”
Walking with posters and banners that read, “Stop The Bloodshed in POJK, Stop the Rawalakot Massacre, How Many More Innocent Lives Will be Lost”, Akhtar and her supporters shouted slogans condemning Pakistan and praising the leadership of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“You (Pakistan) have always misled the people of Jammu and Kashmir, promising them a new dawn, but all you have done till now is to attempt to radicalise the people of the region. The people of Kashmir have woken up to your game. The people of PoJK placed some very reasonable demands before you, and you responded by unleashing a rain and sea of bloodshed on them. Are you not ashamed about what you are doing? Shame on you Pakistan, Shame on you Asim Munir, Shame on you Pakistan Army,” she said.
"People of PoJK are asking for their fundamental rights, yet they are being met with repression. We stand firmly with them and demand justice for every victim. Those who speak the truth are allegedly being silenced, journalists are being detained, and democratic processes, including elections, continue to face uncertainty. Such actions are unacceptable and must be addressed immediately," she added.
Another protestor said, “For the past 70 years, Pakistan has been making false promises to the people of J&K. We want peace and normalcy in the region, no more selfish politics or socio-economic depravity, which the Pakistan leadership is perpetrating. I appeal to the Almighty to rescue and save the people of POJK.”
The calls for justice were made even as the death toll in POJK crossed to over 30 and the injured toll rose to over 200.