India has urged the United Nations to conduct an impartial investigation into the killings of protesters by Pakistani security forces in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The call was made by Anuj Swarup, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, during the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly Third Committee.
The Indian mission stated that the situation in PoJK has escalated due to the use of force against demonstrators, resulting in casualties. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) has been leading protests in the region over long-pending demands and government inaction. The committee announced an indefinite shutdown and wheel-jam strike across the region earlier this month, further intensifying the confrontation with the authorities.
India’s statement highlighted the need for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to address the situation in PoJK. The Indian mission called for an OHCHR report on Pakistan, focusing on impartial investigations into killings by its security forces, due process for detained Awami Action Committee leaders, and the lifting of restrictions on internet access throughout the region.
The protests in PoJK have been marked by clashes and injuries, with the action committee alleging that force has been used against demonstrators, resulting in casualties. The recent unrest follows the so-called elections in the region in July, which were marred by violence and allegations of poll rigging. The JKJAAC has opposed the installation of political leadership without a genuine electoral mandate, adding to dissatisfaction over governance.
The Indian mission also urged Pakistan to reflect on how human rights are being trampled in large parts of the country, especially in regions under its illegal occupation. The statement comes amid renewed attention to the situation in PoJK, with allegations of casualties and demands for the release of detained activists.
The OHCHR has been called upon to investigate the reported killings and human rights violations in PoJK. The Indian mission reaffirmed India’s commitment to work with the High Commissioner, while cautioning against the “selectivity and double standards of OHCHR, which erode trust in multilateralism”.
The situation in PoJK remains tense, with protesters demanding the release of detained activists, withdrawal of cases against demonstrators, and implementation of the committee’s broader demands. The international community is watching the developments in the region closely, with India urging the UN to take action to address the human rights violations and ensure impartial investigations into the reported killings.
In the midst of the escalating unrest, the JKJAAC has accused the Pakistan government of creating conditions in PoJK similar to those prevailing in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The committee has warned that the administration’s handling of protests and dissent could fuel further unrest in the region.
As the situation in PoJK continues to deteriorate, the call for impartial investigations into the killings by Pakistani forces has gained momentum. The international community is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the human rights violations and ensuring that the rights of the people in the region are protected.
The Indian mission’s statement has highlighted the need for the OHCHR to take immediate action to address the situation in PoJK. The call for an OHCHR report on Pakistan, focusing on impartial investigations into killings by its security forces, due process for detained Awami Action Committee leaders, and the lifting of restrictions on internet access throughout the region, is a significant step towards ensuring that the human rights violations in the region are addressed.
In conclusion, the situation in PoJK remains a major concern for the international community, with allegations of human rights violations and casualties. The call for impartial investigations into the killings by Pakistani forces is a crucial step towards ensuring that the rights of the people in the region are protected. The OHCHR is expected to play a key role in addressing the situation in PoJK, and the international community is watching the developments in the region closely.
