Participants allege suppression of democratic rights, urge global human rights bodies and democratic nations to take note of developments in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
JAMMU: Calls for international scrutiny of the reported human rights situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) resonated through a solidarity gathering held near the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh at Tawi Bridge here on Friday, where activists, members of the PoJK Displaced Persons community and civil society representatives accused Pakistani authorities of suppressing democratic rights and failing to address the grievances of local residents.
Organised by Parivartan in collaboration with members of MJR-1947 and other social organisations, the gathering sought to draw attention to reports of unrest, alleged excesses against protesters and the humanitarian challenges confronting people in PoJK. Speakers urged global human rights institutions and democratic nations to intervene and ensure that the concerns of the affected population receive wider international attention.
Leading the programme, Parivartan Chairperson Romi Sharma said reports emerging from PoJK painted a troubling picture of the conditions faced by ordinary citizens, particularly youth, women and children. Alleging that several people participating in peaceful demonstrations had lost their lives due to actions of the Pakistan Army, she called for accountability and justice.
“Human rights are universal and cannot be denied on the basis of geography,” Sharma said, asserting that the aspirations of the people of PoJK deserved recognition and support from the international community. She appealed to global human rights organisations to closely monitor developments in the region and amplify the voices of those seeking justice and dignity.
Echoing similar concerns, Om Prakash Khajuria, spokesperson of MJR-1947, said demands for democratic rights and civil liberties must be heard and respected. He urged democratic countries and international institutions to stand with those striving for justice, freedom and human dignity.
Educationist Vikas Bhargav alleged that residents of PoJK were facing increasing restrictions on peaceful expression and mounting hardships. Describing the situation as a humanitarian concern, he further alleged that food supplies and essential provisions meant for protesters had been obstructed, aggravating difficulties for those participating in demonstrations.
Former Army officer Col. R.K. Sharma (Retd.) called upon international human rights bodies to take a more active role in safeguarding civilians in PoJK. Stressing the need for humanitarian support and global engagement, he alleged that the legitimate aspirations of the people were being suppressed by the Pakistani establishment.
Addressing mediapersons on the sidelines of the event, Pahari activist Syed Shafait criticised the policies of the Pakistan administration under Army Chief Asim Munir and alleged that residents of PoJK continued to face severe hardships. He appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to explore all constitutional and diplomatic avenues for safeguarding the welfare and rights of the people of PoJK. Shafait also reiterated his support for the vision of Akhand Bharat.
Several other speakers, including social activist Shashikant Khajuria, Col. Ravinder Sharma (Retd.), Dileep Jassoria, Varun Sharma and Pankaj Sharma, expressed solidarity with the people of PoJK and called for greater international engagement on issues concerning human rights, safety and welfare in the region.
The gathering concluded with a collective appeal for the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue, adherence to democratic principles and respect for fundamental human rights, with participants maintaining that the plight of the people of PoJK should remain a matter of global concern.
