The UN Human Rights Office has voiced concern over Islamabad’s crackdown on peaceful protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Over 40 civilians were killed and several others injured in the firing by Pakistani forces on protesters during a march organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad on Monday.
UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said the criminalisation of a civil society organisation and restrictions on public gatherings raise serious concerns about violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
Amid escalating unrest in the occupied territory, a human rights body Jammu Kashmir Human Rights Observatory has urged the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to intervene over reports of lethal force being used against peaceful protesters.
Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities have revoked the registrations of 13 private schools in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, alleging the involvement of their management, staff and students in the ongoing protests.
On the other hand, British Kashmiris staged a protest outside the Pakistani Consulate in Birmingham today over reports of civilian deaths in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
