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Over 30 people have been killed and around 200 others have been injured in clashes between protesters and security forces in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, according to India’s official media. Tensions in the region escalated after authorities banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a prominent civil society alliance that has spearheaded protests over economic and political grievances in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Amid a worsening situation, a shutter-down strike continues to take place in the backdrop of a communications blackout imposed following deadly clashes between protesters and security forces in Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad. The condition remains grim in the region as anti-Pakistan protests drew in hundreds of protestors who took to the streets, and shutdowns continue in cities such as Bhimbar and Kotli. The recent development comes after Sunday night’s clashes claimed the lives of seven civilians.
The crackdown by Pakistani authorities on civilians has also drawn in global condemnation.
More than 50 members of the British Parliament have written to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressing concern over reports of a communications blackout, arrests, and escalating tensions in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. In the letter, the parliamentarians highlighted reports from the region of internet and mobile service disruptions, restrictions on communications, and growing unrest. They said, they had been contacted by numerous British Kashmiris who were unable to establish contact with relatives in the region. They noted that restrictions on communications in an already sensitive political environment risk increasing uncertainty and further escalating tensions. AIR
India expresses grave concern over killings of civilians in deadly crack down on protesters in PoK
The Ministry of External Affairs today acknowledged several reports of severe police brutality in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir in which several protesters have been killed and many injured. It added, India hopes that the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses. Addressing the media in New Delhi, spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said that New Delhi continues to see a pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan. Mr Jaiswal described them as a desperate attempt by Pakistan to cover-up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses.
Over 30 people have been killed and around 200 others have been injured in clashes between protesters and security forces in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Tensions in the region escalated after authorities banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a prominent civil society alliance that has spearheaded protests over economic and political grievances in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people, Mr Jaiswal noted that New Delhi remains focused on fostering peace, stability and development in Afghanistan through sustained humanitarian assistance, development cooperation and capacity-building initiatives. Replying to a question regarding the ship MT Marivex, Mr Jaiswal said that all 24 Indian crew members who were onboard, were rescued from the ship.