Islamabad, July 29: Tensions remain high in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), where recent actions by security forces have resulted in the deaths of 40 innocent civilians and numerous injuries. In light of the escalating situation, a human rights monitoring organization has called on the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to intervene.
The Jammu-Kashmir Human Rights Observatory (JKHRO) has urgently appealed to UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk for immediate action. This plea comes after the deaths occurred during a peaceful long march organized by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), which resumed on July 27, moving from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad.
According to the JAC, “A large number of citizens participated in the march, with estimates suggesting over 100,000 attendees.”
JKHRO stated, “The significant presence of civilians, deployment of security forces, alleged indiscriminate firing, communication restrictions, limited media access, and obstacles to emergency coordination pose an immediate threat of further loss of life. This situation can no longer be managed with mere expressions of concern.”
The organization has urged the UN human rights chief to publicly call for an end to the firing by Pakistani forces, guarantee a halt to the use of bullets against peaceful protesters, and ensure the delivery of emergency medical and humanitarian aid in POK.
Additionally, JKHRO has demanded the immediate deployment of relevant special rapporteurs or the dispatch of an OHCHR investigation team. They also called for the initiation of a credible dialogue process to prevent further loss of life in the region.
Regarding the alleged human rights violations in POK, the organization warned, “The international community has already been alerted. A large number of people are participating in the protests. Security forces are deployed. Communication services are restricted. Lethal force has already been used. Initial reports indicate that over 80 individuals have been injured, with some eyewitnesses suggesting a higher number. The final and reliable count of the injured is still unavailable.”
The organization emphasized, “The main question now is not whether the risk of escalation exists, but whether the UN system can take swift and adequate steps to prevent the next death.”
Previously, on July 17, the OHCHR expressed serious concerns regarding alleged restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right to form associations amid rising tensions in POK.
UN Human Rights Commissioner spokesperson Jeremy Lawrence stated that labeling civil society organizations as criminals and imposing strict restrictions on gatherings raises serious concerns about violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. He emphasized that detained JAC leaders and their families should receive legal assistance, along with full guarantees for their rights to fair trial and due process.
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