Peaceful Protest in London Highlights PoJK Crisis
Members of the Kashmiri diaspora staged a peaceful protest outside the Pakistani Embassy in London on June 22, 2026, drawing attention to what they described as a 15-day siege in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and the alleged killing of Kashmiri civilians. Holding placards and raising slogans, the protesters condemned reported human rights violations and urged the international community, the United Nations, and global human rights organisations to intervene.
Allegations of Siege and Essential Supply Blockade
Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance Chairman Mahmood Kashmiri addressed Pakistani officials outside the embassy, accusing Islamabad of failing to honour its commitments to the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee. He alleged that Pakistan had reached an agreement with the committee, acknowledging their demands as legitimate, but later declared the committee a terrorist organisation when implementation was due. Mahmood Kashmiri further claimed that Pakistan had deployed thousands of security personnel across PoJK, creating an atmosphere of fear among residents. He demanded the withdrawal of Pakistani forces and accountability for those allegedly responsible for the killing of Kashmiri civilians.
According to Mahmood Kashmiri, several residents of Rawalakot had been killed by Pakistani security forces, while hundreds had been abducted or injured. He claimed that PoJK was under an effective siege, with restrictions preventing food, medicines, and other essential supplies from entering the region. "No food is being allowed in. Medicines are not being allowed in. Cancer patients have been deprived of their medicines, and even milk bottles for children have been confiscated," he alleged.
Call for International Intervention
The protesters called for immediate action to protect the rights of the people of PoJK and address what they described as a worsening humanitarian situation. They also vowed to continue highlighting the issue on international platforms until justice, peace, and the right to self-determination are achieved. Mahmood Kashmiri announced that demonstrations would continue internationally, stating, "Until these forces are withdrawn and those responsible for the killings are arrested, we will continue protesting around the world. On June 26, we will protest outside the United Nations and tell the world what is happening in PoJK."
Questioning Pakistan's actions, Mahmood Kashmiri said Kashmiris were pursuing their demands peacefully and urged Islamabad to recognise what he described as their legitimate rights instead of responding with force. The protest underscores ongoing tensions in the region and the Kashmiri diaspora's efforts to draw global attention to the situation in PoJK.
