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The United Nations Human Rights Agency has expressed concern about the ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The United Nations Human Rights Office has appealed to authorities to conduct an impartial and transparent investigation into the deaths of protesters and security personnel ahead of assembly elections in the area.

World News: Amid rising tensions and protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed grave concern over the situation in the region. UN human rights chief Volker Turk has appealed to authorities to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the deaths during the violence. He also expressed concern about the restrictions imposed on peaceful demonstrations, public meetings and freedom of expression.

This statement of the United Nations has come at a time when there are reports of increasing political and social tension in PoK before the assembly elections proposed on July 27. According to the United Nations Human Rights Office, dozens of people have lost their lives in violence in the region since June. A large number of the dead are said to be protesters, while some security personnel have also been killed in the violence.

UN demands independent investigation into all deaths

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has called for an immediate, comprehensive and independent investigation into all deaths linked to the unrest in the region. He asked the authorities to ensure that those responsible for the violence are held accountable and the affected families get justice. The UN Human Rights Office has also expressed concern, particularly about the sanctions imposed on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

JAAC is a socio-political platform of cross-sections, including civil organisations, business groups, lawyers and students, which has been playing an active role in the ongoing protests in the area. Pakistani authorities have taken action under anti-terrorism laws, accusing JAAC of posing a threat to public order and security. Information about the arrest of some leaders associated with the organization has also come to light.

Questions regarding ban on public meetings

The UN Human Rights Office said that banning a civil society organization as a criminal organization and prohibiting peaceful assembly of people raises serious human rights questions. The UN appealed to the authorities to ensure that detained JAAC leaders have access to legal assistance. They should also have the right to contact their families and receive the benefit of due legal process.

The Human Rights Office also expressed concern over restrictions imposed on Internet services in the region. Volker Turk urged the authorities to ensure full and uninterrupted availability of internet for the people in PoK.

Appeal for solution through political talks

The United Nations stressed the need for meaningful and inclusive political dialogue to reduce the ongoing tension in PoK. The UN human rights chief said that the social, economic and political grievances of the local population should be seriously listened to and the path of dialogue should be adopted to resolve them.

The human rights agency believes that peaceful political processes and inclusive dialogue can play an important role in reducing tensions in the region. At the same time, it is also important to protect the rights of citizens and maintain the rule of law.

India accuses Pakistan of ‘systematic exploitation’

India has also been continuously targeting Pakistan regarding the ongoing protests in PoK. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on July 14 that the ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are the result of decades of alleged systematic exploitation of the people there and depriving them of basic rights.

Jaiswal had alleged that instead of resolving the grievances of the local people, the Pakistani administration adopted the path of using force to deal with the protests. He said the international community should hold Pakistan accountable for alleged human rights violations in the region.