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PoJK Protest Crackdown Prompts Calls for UN Independent Probe
Activists told the United Nations that people in PoJK have protested for better living conditions and political rights.
They said the protests were met with force, arrests and communication blackouts.
They also alleged that some people were killed unlawfully and that anti-terror laws were used against peaceful groups.
The activists asked for an independent investigation.
At a separate meeting in Geneva, speakers discussed education, technology, entrepreneurship and gender equality in Jammu and Kashmir.
Some speakers said young people were moving away from conflict and toward voting, innovation and opportunity.
Other speakers raised concerns about terrorism, minority rights and cultural loss.
The reports describe different concerns and hopes for peace and development in the region.
Activists told the UN Human Rights Council that months of protests in PoJK have demanded food, electricity, jobs, infrastructure and political representation.
Harleen Kour alleged excessive force, arbitrary detentions, communication blackouts, anti-terror laws, extrajudicial killings and mass detentions.
Kour urged an independent fact-finding mission into civilian deaths, unlawful detentions and alleged excessive force.
Speakers at a Geneva side event discussed youth innovation, gender equality, education and entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir.
Other speakers alleged Pakistani support for terrorism and abuses against minorities and protesters in PoJK, while calling for cultural and community solidarity.
- Who
- PoJK protesters, activists including Harleen Kour, and speakers at Geneva discussions on Jammu and Kashmir.
- What
- Activists urged an independent international investigation into an alleged crackdown and wider human rights violations in PoJK.
- Where
- Geneva, including the UN Human Rights Council and the Geneva Press Club.
- When
- During the ongoing 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council; a related side event was held on September 23.
- Why
- Activists said protesters were seeking food, electricity, employment, infrastructure and political representation, while speakers also raised concerns about terrorism, minorities and cultural marginalisation.
Activists’ allegations and demands
Development and progress perspective
Conditions in the region
Activists’ allegations and demands
Activists alleged that PoJK residents face repression, deprivation, arbitrary detention, communication blackouts and alleged extrajudicial killings during protests.
Development and progress perspective
Speakers highlighted youth achievements, rising voter participation, education, technology, startups and entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir.
Path toward peace
Activists’ allegations and demands
Activists called for an immediate end to security crackdowns, restored communications and protection for political activists and local leaders.
Development and progress perspective
Other speakers described opportunity, innovation, gender equality and inclusive development as foundations for sustainable peace.
Sources of instability
Activists’ allegations and demands
Speakers at the Geneva discussions attributed conflict and underdevelopment to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, extremism and alleged abuses by Pakistani forces.
Development and progress perspective
The articles do not include a response from Pakistan or PoJK authorities disputing these allegations.
Key facts
- Main demand
- An independent UN fact-finding mission into civilian deaths, unlawful detentions and alleged excessive force.
- Protest demands
- Food, electricity, employment, better infrastructure and political representation.
- Alleged response
- Excessive force, arbitrary detentions, communication blackouts and use of anti-terror laws.
- Forum
- The ongoing 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
- Side event
- “Empowering Tomorrow: Youth Innovation, Gender Equality and the Transition to Peace,” held September 23 at the Geneva Press Club.
- Development themes
- Youth innovation, education, entrepreneurship, gender equality, political participation and technology.
- Other concerns raised
- Alleged atrocities against minorities and PoJK residents, terrorism, extremism and erosion of language, culture and history.
Quotes
Harleen Kour
Social activist who addressed the UN Human Rights Council about alleged abuses and protests in PoJK
“This Council cannot remain silent while fundamental human rights are violently suppressed.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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