Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission (HRCP) and Amnesty International have expressed deep concern over reports of violence in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. Clashes took place between protesters and law enforcement personnel on Monday and Tuesday, resulting in several casualties.
The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been demanding the abolition of 12 seats reserved for refugees from Indian-held Kashmir, has been holding protests in the region for several weeks. The government has accused militant elements “purusing a foreign agenda” and backed by Indian funding of fomenting the unrest.
In response to these incidents, HRCP said it was “deeply alarmed” at reports of deaths and injuries in clashes between protesters and law enforcement personnel on Monday. The commission urged an end to the “cycle of violence” and called for a “prompt, impartial and independent investigation” into the reported use of force against protesters.
Amnesty International also expressed concern over the situation, calling on authorities to lift a communications blackout that has been in place since July 23, when internet services were restored in Mirpur division. The statement quoted Amnesty’s Acting Regional Director for South Asia Isabelle Lassee as seeking a “prompt, independent, and transparent investigation” into the reported use of force against protesters.
The government has accused militant elements of fomenting unrest by using lethal force against protesters. However, HRCP and Amnesty International argue that any action taken should be in accordance with international human rights law and the principles of impartiality and independence.
In a statement published on Tuesday, HRCP said it was “deeply alarmed” at reports of deaths and injuries in clashes between protesters and law enforcement personnel in AJK’s Rawalakot area. The commission urged authorities to exercise restraint in responding to protests and to prioritize protecting lives over confronting protesters.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International called for the lifting of a communications blackout that has been in place since July 23, when internet services were restored in Mirpur division. The statement quoted Isabelle Lassee as urging the Pakistani authorities to restore all communications access and allow media and independent observers into the area.
The situation remains volatile, with tensions escalating ahead of elections across AJK. The HRCP and Amnesty International are calling for a “prompt, impartial, and independent investigation” into the reported use of force against protesters and urging authorities to prioritize protecting human rights over maintaining public order.
Source: Dawn
Based on reporting from Dawn.
