UN expresses concern over crackdown
Srinagar, Jul 31: At least 40 to 75 people have been reported killed by the Pakistan Army in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), with Pakistani forces using live ammunition and lethal force to disperse demonstrations, leading to high-casualty standoffs in areas like Rawalakot and Mirpur, while the United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed severe concern over Islamabad’s suppression of peaceful assemblies.
According to reports, protests have intensified across PoJK in recent days, with the region also witnessing restrictions on movement and communication, including curfew-like measures and disruptions in internet and telecommunication services. Social media accounts linked to the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) 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.
In a statement, 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.
