The ongoing unrest in Rawalakot and other areas of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) has drawn sharp criticism from the Kashmiri diaspora in the United Kingdom. Activists have accused the Pakistani military and government of using force, restrictions, and intimidation to suppress peaceful dissent.
UKPNP Leaders Condemn Military Deployment
Sohail Talat, President of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) Bradford, condemned the installation of barricades, fencing, and military checkpoints in Rawalakot. He warned that the situation is becoming increasingly tense and stated that diaspora members would continue demonstrations until military interference in the region ceases.
Talat alleged that recent actions by Pakistani authorities have instilled fear among many Kashmiris, preventing them from expressing their views freely. He claimed that residents are being denied the right to determine their own future and called on the international community to monitor developments in the territory. Describing the diaspora as a united front, he pledged ongoing support for protesters on the ground and accused Pakistan of treating Kashmiris as adversaries rather than partners.
Criticism of Pakistan's Dual Narrative
Rizwan Latif, organizer of the UKPNP Bradford branch, also criticized Pakistan's handling of the situation. He accused the Pakistani state of presenting one narrative to the international community while implementing a different policy inside PoJK.
According to Latif, peaceful demonstrations demanding political and economic rights have been met with excessive force. He alleged that security personnel have entered homes, disrupted businesses, and imposed severe movement restrictions across the region. He further claimed that communication blackouts and road closures have effectively isolated many communities.
Allegations of Violence on June 6
Both activists referred to the violence reported on June 6, alleging that civilians, including women and young people, were among those killed during the crackdown. They described the current atmosphere in Rawalakot as one of fear and uncertainty, comparing the region to a "prison" due to extensive security measures and restrictions imposed by authorities.
The UK-based activists have vowed to continue raising awareness and pressuring the international community to address what they describe as human rights abuses in PoJK.
