HighLights
  1. UN calls for impartial probe into PoK protest deaths.
  2. Concern over JAAC ban and internet restrictions in PoK.
  3. India blames Pakistan for systemic exploitation in PoK.

The United Nations human rights office has expressed concern over the ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and urged authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the deaths of protesters and security personnel amid rising tensions ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

“UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk appeals for calm in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir amid a wave of unrest ahead of regional elections at the end of the month. Dozens of people, mostly protesters but also law enforcement personnel, have reportedly been killed since June ahead of the vote for the Legislative Assembly on 27 July," UN Human Rights Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said in Geneva.

Dozens Killed Amid Protests

Dozens of people, most of them protesters and some security forces, have been killed since June amid the turmoil, the United Nations says. Turk also demanded an immediate, thorough and independent investigation into all the protest-related deaths.

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“The High Commissioner calls for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all deaths that have occurred due to the unrest, both amongst protesters and members of security forces," Laurence said.

The UN rights office further expressed its concern over the decision to ban the JAAC. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) is an alliance of socio-political groups like traders, lawyers, students and civil society who have been organising protests in the PoK.

Pakistan banned JAAC under anti-terrorism laws, citing concerns over public order and security. Following the ban, several leaders associated with the organisation were arrested.

Criminalising civil society organisations and restricting public gatherings may undermine fundamental freedoms like the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and association, said the UN.

The human rights body also urged authorities to ensure that detained JAAC leaders receive access to legal representation, communication with their families and due legal process. It further criticised restrictions on internet access in the region.

"We urge the authorities to ensure full internet access throughout the region," Turk said, while also calling for meaningful and inclusive political dialogue to address the concerns and grievances of residents.

 India Blames Pakistan For PoK Unrest

The Ministry of External Affairs on July 14 issued a statement criticising the recent protests in Pakistan, saying the clashes were due to “systematic exploitation.”

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“The ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are a direct consequence of Pakistan's decades-long systemic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression in the territories under its illegal and forcible occupation. Instead of addressing the legitimate grievances of the local population, the Pakistani administration has resorted to excessive police brutality. We expect the international community to hold Pakistan fully accountable for these serious violations and wrongdoings," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Jaiswal further stated that India has always maintained that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and has repeatedly accused Pakistan of human rights violations and suppression of the rights of people living in the region.

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