United Nations expresses concern over crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

Question raised about the arrest of protesting leaders and internet ban

Geneva (Switzerland) – The United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed deep concern about the ongoing protests by locals in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has appealed for restraint in the face of rising tensions in the region and has called for a fair, prompt and comprehensive investigation into the deaths of protesters and security personnel. He has also called for the restoration of internet services in the region.

Turk said that the deaths on both sides (i.e. protestors and security personnel) should be investigated transparently to determine responsibility for the incident. The arrested leaders of the Joint Awami Action Committee should be provided with legal assistance and be given the opportunity to contact their families. They should also be fully guaranteed their rights to a fair trial and due process. Tensions in the region have reached a peak. The ban on the internet has had a disproportionate impact on people’s right to receive, disseminate and express information. The path to lasting peace and stability can only be through dialogue and democratic processes.

Editorial Perspective

The locals in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have been subjected to atrocities for the past several years and they have been continuously expressing their dissatisfaction about this. The current agitation has been going on for the past 25 days, but the United Nations is discussing about it only recently.