Jammu, July 1: The National Anti-Terrorism Front (NATF) on Tuesday organised a protest outside the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) office in Sainik Colony, Jammu, demanding international intervention over the alleged targeting of civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
Led by NATF National Chairman Vishal Chopra, the demonstrators raised slogans against Pakistan and called upon the United Nations to take immediate notice of what they described as a worsening humanitarian situation in PoJK.
Allegations of Human Rights Violations
Addressing the gathering, NATF leaders alleged that innocent civilians belonging to the Hindu, Sikh and Muslim communities in PoJK were facing violence, intimidation and serious human rights abuses. The organisation claimed that many residents were struggling with shortages of food, clean drinking water and other essential services, while women and children were among those suffering due to the prevailing conditions.
The organisation accused Pakistan’s administration of suppressing local voices and failing to protect the rights of civilians living in the region.
Background to the Protest
The demonstration comes amid growing claims by some activists and organisations that residents of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in areas such as Mirpur, Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Gilgit-Baltistan, have been facing economic hardship, restrictions on civil liberties and inadequate access to basic services.
In recent months, several protests have reportedly taken place in PoJK over issues such as rising inflation, electricity shortages, unemployment, taxation and governance. Some demonstrations have led to clashes between protesters and Pakistani security forces. Human rights groups have also periodically expressed concerns over restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly in the region, although the scale and circumstances of specific incidents are often disputed.
The NATF protest also comes against the backdrop of heightened India-Pakistan tensions following recent security developments, with several organisations in Jammu demanding greater international attention to the situation in PoJK.
Appeal to the United Nations
The protesters urged the United Nations to investigate the alleged human rights violations and humanitarian conditions in PoJK. They questioned why the international community had not taken stronger action despite repeated allegations raised by various groups.
NATF called upon the UN to press Pakistan to ensure the safety of civilians, uphold fundamental human rights and prevent further violence in the region.
Peaceful Demonstration
The protest concluded peacefully, with NATF members submitting a memorandum outlining their demands. Participants reiterated that the international community should pay greater attention to the welfare of civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and called for accountability wherever human rights violations occur.
Note: The allegations made during the protest reflect the claims of the organisers. Independent verification of all the specific allegations was not immediately available, and there has been no official response from the United Nations or Pakistani authorities regarding the claims raised during the demonstration.