Islamabad, Nov 9 : PoK violence has intensified as the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) urged Pakistani authorities to immediately stop firing and using force against civilians. The committee also demanded an end to actions aimed at intimidating communities amid the ongoing crackdown in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The appeal followed reports of deadly clashes in the Rawalakot region. Pakistani security forces reportedly opened fire and carried out drone strikes against peaceful protesters. Several people, including women and children, reportedly died. Dozens of others suffered serious injuries.
JAAC demands an end to firing on civilians
Expressing grave concern over the situation in Rawalakot and surrounding areas, JAAC said peaceful protesters should not face violence.
“Peaceful participants in the sit-in are not enemies; they are our own people. Firing on civilians, intimidating communities through aerial means, and any unnecessary use of force must cease immediately,” the committee said.
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The committee also urged authorities to return the bodies of those killed to their families without delay. It sought formal condolences and appropriate support for the bereaved families.
Furthermore, JAAC demanded immediate and safe medical treatment for all injured people, without discrimination. It also called for the restoration of mobile, internet and other essential communication services across PoK.
In addition, the committee sought an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into all deaths, injuries and arrests. It also called for an inquiry into allegations of unlawful force, armed activity and incitement.
“All deaths, injuries, arrests, allegations of unlawful force, armed activity or incitement should be examined through an independent, impartial, transparent and time-bound investigation. Its procedure, jurisdiction, arrangements for preserving evidence and protecting witnesses, and deadline for publication should be defined in writing in advance. No allegation should be presented as established fact without verifiable evidence,” JAAC stated.
JAAC raises alarm over reported drone attack
Meanwhile, JAAC cited reports of another drone attack on a civilian residence in Rawalakot. The committee said the reported incident raised serious concerns about civilian safety.
“The reported use of explosive drones against civilian homes raises extremely serious concerns about the safety of residents and violations of international human rights law. The United Nations and international human rights organisations must urgently demand answers from the authorities and press for immediate measures to protect civilian lives,” it posted on X.
UKPNP calls for independent UN investigation
Meanwhile, the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) strongly condemned the reported firing and alleged drone attacks. The group also criticised the excessive use of force against peaceful protesters and residential areas in Rawalakot.
“One woman and one man were reportedly killed near the Bus Terminal, Mutialmara, Rawalakot. Umar Farooq Chowk is reportedly under attack, with allegations of heavy machine gun fire, drones, and mortar shelling. Drones are allegedly being used to drop explosive devices in civilian-populated areas. Two additional people, reportedly including a 10-year-old girl, have been killed, while several others sustained critical injuries,” the group stated.
The UKPNP also demanded an independent UN investigation. Furthermore, it urged the establishment of an impartial international fact-finding mission into reported killings and human rights abuses by Pakistani authorities in PoK.
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–IANS
