The founder of the Washington-based Institute for Gilgit-Baltistan Studies, Senge Sering, has urged the Indian government to approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). He made this appeal on Friday, emphasizing that Indian citizens in the region deserve protection amid recent clashes involving Pakistani forces.
Allegations of Repression in PoJK
Sering highlighted the deteriorating security situation in PoJK, accusing Pakistani authorities of unleashing a wave of repression. He claimed that civilians are being targeted, fundamental rights are being curbed, and properties are being looted. He expressed solidarity with people in Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and Poonch, stating that women are being attacked and homes plundered.
"We appeal to the International Court of Justice to take the case against it and want the Indian government to appeal for the same. We are the citizens of India and it is the responsibility of India to protect the people of Jammu and Kashmir," Sering said.
He further alleged that the Pakistani government and army have created a "market of oppression" in the region. "Women are being attacked; houses are being looted; shops are being looted," he added.
Killings and Denial of Bodies to Families
Sering claimed that dozens of people have been killed in the clashes, but their bodies have not been returned to their families. He backed assertions made by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) that the bodies of several activists killed during protests have been withheld.
"Dozens of people have been killed, and their dead bodies are not being handed over to their heirs. Because of this, it is not known how many people have been martyred," Sering stated.
Denial of Medical Treatment and Enforced Disappearances
The founder also alleged that injured individuals are being denied medical treatment, and hospital staff are being intimidated. He claimed that incidents of enforced disappearances and torture are occurring in the region.
"Many injured people are being forced to leave the hospitals. The staff of the hospitals are being threatened with not being treated. All these people are being kidnapped; they are being made missing persons, they are being abducted, and they are being tortured," he said.
Restrictions on Religious Practices
Referring to restrictions on religious practices, Sering stated that people are unable to offer prayers at mosques due to ongoing violence. "At this time, people are not allowed to pray in the mosques due to blind firing, and they are being killed there," he added.
Parallels with 1947 and Call for International Intervention
Drawing parallels with the repression that followed the partition in 1947, Sering said, "The incidents of 1947 are being repeated." He appealed to the international community, the United Nations, and the ICJ to intervene.
"We appeal to the international community to stand with the people of Jammu and Kashmir who are being held by Pakistan and to put pressure on Pakistan to get it out of there immediately," he added.
Background of Protests in PoJK
The appeal comes amid widespread protests in PoJK, where residents have taken to the streets over issues including governance, economic hardship, and the allocation of reserved legislative seats. Soaring inflation, high electricity bills, and scarcity of essential commodities are among the other issues driving the demonstrations.
Local media reports indicate that the Pakistani administration has deployed paramilitary forces to quell the dissent, leading to violent clashes and casualties. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Rawalakot and other areas have reportedly left several people dead and many injured, triggering widespread condemnation and calls for an independent investigation.
