Baramulla, India June 9: Human rights activist and Chairperson of the Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir (ATVK), Tasleema Akhter, on Monday expressed serious concern over the reported violence against civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), alleging excessive use of force by Pakistan Army and security personnel.
Condemning the reported incidents, Akhter said the situation in PoJK had resulted in immense suffering for innocent civilians and urged international human rights organisations to take cognisance of the developments.
“The lives of innocent people have been devastated by violence. Human rights organisations across the world must raise their voices against these grave violations and stand in solidarity with the affected population,” she said.
Akhter also alleged that internet services had been suspended in parts of PoJK in an attempt to restrict the flow of information and suppress public voices. She maintained that such measures would not prevent the truth from reaching the international community.
“In today’s interconnected world, information cannot be concealed for long. The people of PoJK remain connected globally, and efforts to silence them through communication restrictions are bound to fail,” she said.
Expressing solidarity with the residents of the region, Akhter said the people were seeking basic rights and essential public services, including healthcare, food security, and improved civic facilities.
“The people of PoJK are demanding their fundamental rights, yet they are allegedly facing repression. We stand with them and call for justice and accountability for every victim,” she added.
The rights activist further raised concerns over reported restrictions on journalists and democratic processes in the region. She alleged that individuals speaking out on public issues were being silenced, while journalists faced detention and political uncertainty continued to affect electoral processes.
“Freedom of expression and democratic rights must be protected. Any attempt to curb these freedoms is unacceptable and requires immediate attention,” she said.
Referring to accounts received from eyewitnesses, Akhter claimed that videos documenting the violence had surfaced, drawing increasing attention from the international community. She noted that demonstrations highlighting the issue had been held in several locations, including London.
“The voices of the people cannot be ignored. Reports and visual evidence emerging from the region have raised serious concerns, and the international community must take note of these developments and ensure accountability,” she said.
Akhter called upon global human rights bodies and international institutions to closely monitor the situation and work towards safeguarding the rights and dignity of civilians in the region.