Islamabad, Nov 5: PoK protest firing allegedly carried out by Pakistani security forces has left at least seven people, including children, dead and 18 others seriously injured. The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) made the allegations on Thursday, accusing security forces of targeting peaceful protesters with gunfire and drone strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The party strongly condemned the alleged attacks in Rawalakot, PoK. It accused Pakistani security forces of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators and targeting residential areas.
UKPNP Alleges Firing, Drone Attacks in Rawalakot
According to information cited by the UKPNP, security forces targeted peaceful sit-ins at Matialmera Bus Terminal, Umar Farooq Chowk and other locations in Rawalakot during the early hours of Thursday.
The party alleged that security personnel used heavy machine guns, armoured vehicles and drones during the operation.
The UKPNP identified three of the deceased as 35-year-old Atif Jardees, 30-year-old Ehtisham Younis and 32-year-old Adil Rashid. It also expressed concern over reports that four children died in an alleged drone attack.
The organisation further claimed that a house belonging to Shakeel Khan, near Matialmera Bus Terminal, caught fire following an alleged drone strike.
In its statement, the group said reports indicated that four children might have died in the incident. It called for urgent independent verification and warned that the actual casualty count could rise.
UKPNP Seeks International Intervention Over PoK Protest Firing
The UKPNP described the alleged use of lethal force against unarmed civilians as a serious human rights concern. It urged the international community to take immediate notice of the situation.
The party said people in Kashmir were peacefully demanding fundamental rights, essential public services, property protection, human dignity and the rule of law.
It maintained that authorities should address these demands through dialogue rather than violence, intimidation or collective punishment.
The organisation also appealed to the United Nations, European Union and international community to intervene. It said diplomatic efforts must focus on preventing further violence and protecting civilians in Rawalakot and other affected areas of PoK.
The UKPNP also demanded independent investigations into the reported killings, injuries, drone attacks and destruction of residential properties.
It stressed that transparent inquiries must establish the facts, identify those responsible and protect the rights and dignity of civilians.
UN Experts Raise Concerns Over JAAC’s Terrorist Designation
The latest allegations come amid growing international concerns over Pakistan’s handling of protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Recently, six UN Special Rapporteurs on human rights questioned Pakistan’s decision to designate the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) as a terrorist organisation.
The UN experts raised concerns over alleged state violence against protesters, deaths, arrests and other reported human rights violations in the region.
In a letter addressed to the Pakistani government, the experts questioned the use of counter-terrorism measures against JAAC and people associated with the organisation.
They expressed concern that the designation might not meet international standards for terrorist listings. They also questioned whether authorities had targeted JAAC in retaliation for its political, labour and human rights activities.
UN Raises Alarm Over Alleged Human Rights Violations
The UN experts also highlighted reports of violations following JAAC’s designation.
These included restrictions on peaceful assembly and association, excessive force during demonstrations, alleged unlawful killings and arbitrary arrests. They also raised concerns over restrictions on communications.
The experts stressed the need to ensure that counter-terrorism measures comply with international human rights law.
Meanwhile, the UKPNP has called for urgent international attention to the latest developments in Rawalakot. The party wants independent investigators to examine the allegations and establish accountability for any violations.
The reported deaths and injuries have raised fresh concerns over civilian safety and the handling of protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
–IANS
