Thousands of British Kashmiris gathered outside the Palace of Westminster in London on Sunday to protest against alleged human rights violations and the use of force by Pakistani security forces in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), calling for international intervention and accountability.Demonstrators raised concerns over civilian deaths, injuries, alleged harassment of women and the use of force against peaceful protesters in the region.Carrying placards and banners, they demanded justice for those affected by the recent unrest and urged the international community to take note of the situation in PoK.Protesters also appealed to the United Nations and global human rights organisations to investigate developments in the region, with calls for accountability and justice echoing outside the UK Parliament.
Concerns over crackdown on protests
Speakers at the rally said residents of PoK had been protesting over issues such as economic relief, affordable electricity, governance reforms and the fulfilment of commitments made by authorities.They alleged that security forces responded to peaceful demonstrations with excessive force, resulting in civilian casualties and injuries.Participants condemned what they described as a violent crackdown by Pakistani Rangers and other security agencies in different parts of PoK and demanded an independent inquiry into the incidents.According to organisers, the demonstration was aimed at drawing global attention to the grievances of PoK residents and ensuring the protection of fundamental rights in the region.As per news agency ANI, protesters also alleged that Pakistani security forces opened direct fire on a sit-in at Rawalakot Eidgah on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to more than a dozen others.
Unrest spreads across PoK
The protest comes amid weeks of unrest in PoK, where residents have taken to the streets over governance issues, economic hardship, soaring inflation, high electricity bills, shortages of essential commodities and the allocation of reserved legislative seats.Reports have suggested that Pakistani authorities deployed paramilitary forces to contain the protests, leading to violent clashes and casualties.Clashes in Rawalakot and other areas have reportedly left several people dead and many injured, triggering calls for an independent investigation.The unrest has also sparked strong reactions within the Islamic nation. Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif recently described the agitation as the “beginning of sedition” and warned protesters against disloyalty to the state, while authorities intensified action against leaders linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).Meanwhile, MQM founder Altaf Hussain called for an immediate halt to the use of force in PoK, warning that continued military action could threaten Pakistan’s own stability.As per ANI, Hussain alleged that peaceful protesters were being met with force and expressed support for what he described as the legitimate demands of Kashmiris.The demonstration in London remained peaceful, with participants reiterating their calls for dialogue, accountability and respect for human rights in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
