Tensions Rise in PoK Amid Protests and Security Crackdown

JAAC Ban Leads to Unrest in PoK

The local government (LGA) recently banned JAAC on anti-terrorism grounds and had a disagreement about reserving 12 legislative seats for Kashmiri refugees, causing riots in Rawalakot and its neighbouring areas in PoK. 

The demonstrators rail against rising inflation, the cost of electricity and a lack of basic goods. Pakistani government deployments of paramilitaries have stemmed the flow of conflict which has led to bloody conflicts and deaths of many. 

Many people were wounded in the fighting between demonstrators and security forces at Rawalakot, inviting calls for an independent inquiry and condemning the deaths. 

HRCP Seeks Independent Investigation

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) found it alarming that tempers had flared in the area with reports of casualties. The Commission called for immediate de-escalation and an impartial inquiry into the deaths and injuries, noting that banning public movements inevitably threatens to shrink the political arena and that the request for alteration of the constitution should be addressed by constitutional processes, representative means, and democratic principles. 

India Criticises Pakistan Over Human Rights Issues

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) criticized the Pakistani government over alleged “brutality” on people in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and called for the international community to take Pakistan to task over alleged human rights violations in the region. 

"We continue to see in this context, a pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan. It is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to cover-up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses," MEA said.

"There are reports of severe police brutality in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir in which several protestors have been killed and many injured. We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses," the ministry added.