Birmingham, July 30: Amid rising tensions in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), British Kashmiris rallied outside the Pakistani Consulate in Birmingham in support of the Joint Action Committee (JAC). The demonstrators expressed their outrage against the actions of Pakistani security forces and the alleged violence against civilians in the region.
This protest comes at a time when reports indicate that at least 40 people have died and many others have been injured due to the actions of Pakistani security forces over the past two days. These actions were taken amid increasing protests in the area.
Videos circulating on social media show Kashmiri protesters outside the Birmingham consulate taking off their shoes and expressing their anger over the current situation. They chanted slogans against Pakistan and demanded freedom for POK.
Several reports suggest that the death toll and number of injuries from violent protests in areas like Rawalakot and Mirpur could exceed 100. Many British MPs have criticized Pakistan’s actions against the protesters in POK.
British MP Naz Shah described the shooting of peaceful demonstrators as “barbaric” and called for a peaceful resolution to the situation. On social media platform X, she stated, “Shooting directly at those expressing their political views peacefully is barbarism.” She urged for accountability, condemnation, and immediate steps towards a peaceful resolution.
Shah emphasized that raising a voice against the killing of innocent people is a moral and human responsibility. Remaining silent is an injustice to humanity.
Another British MP, Imran Hussain, expressed concern over alarming reports of serious human rights violations in POK. In a video message, Hussain stated that he would contact the Pakistani High Commissioner in the UK to present the concerns of British Kashmiris. He also urged UK government ministers to use diplomatic means to de-escalate tensions, stop violence, and resume dialogue.
Earlier in the day, the UKPNP claimed that over 100 people have been killed since June 5, with several hundred seriously injured and hundreds allegedly forcibly disappeared.
Condemning the alleged actions of Pakistani security forces, the UKPNP stated that excessive or unlawful force against peaceful civilians could constitute a serious violation of international human rights law and may fall under the category of crimes under international law.
The group called on the United Nations, European Union, and the international community to take immediate action. They urged these entities to assist in the protection of civilians, support an impartial and independent investigation into the events, and promote adherence to international human rights norms.
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