Protest Outside Pakistani Consulate in Bradford Continues for Fifth Day
The sit-in protest by the Kashmiri diaspora outside the Pakistani Consulate in Bradford has entered its fifth consecutive day. Demonstrators are accusing Pakistan of escalating military repression in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and demanding the withdrawal of Pakistani forces from the region.
JKNIA Chairman Alleges Killing of Four Kashmiris
Addressing the gathering, Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance (JKNIA) chairman Mahmood Kashmiri alleged that Pakistani forces have killed four Kashmiris in what he described as a continued campaign of state violence. He stated that Pakistan is attempting to suppress a peaceful public movement through force but insisted that such efforts would not succeed.
"This is a public movement, and public movements cannot be ended by force," he said, adding that the growing military presence reflects an attempt to intimidate civilians rather than resolve the crisis.
Call for Peaceful Solution and Withdrawal of Forces
Mahmood Kashmiri urged Pakistani authorities to pursue a peaceful solution, warning that violence would only deepen tensions in the region. He emphasized that peace and security could only be achieved through dialogue, not through military action or the killing of civilians. He also called on Pakistan to honor its commitments to the people of PoJK and demanded the immediate withdrawal of Pakistani forces from the region.
Widespread Public Support in PoJK
The JKNIA chairman claimed that a complete shutdown is being observed across PoJK, describing it as evidence of widespread public support for the movement. According to him, women, children, and people from different sections of society have joined the protests, demonstrating the strength of a peaceful popular movement.
Demands for End to Repression and International Intervention
Speakers at the sit-in echoed similar demands, urging Pakistan to end alleged extrajudicial killings, state violence, house sieges, and all forms of repression against civilians. They maintained that the people of PoJK would continue their peaceful struggle for fundamental human rights, freedom, justice, and dignity. The participants also appealed to the international community to take serious notice of the situation and play a more active role in protecting human rights in the region.
