Muzaffar Khan
Human rights activists have strongly condemned the recent presidential ordinance banning all political rallies, gatherings and demonstrations in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
The ordinance was issued in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir, banning all political rallies, gatherings and protests. The deputy commissioner of Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir was given sweeping new powers, including the power to punish violators of the ordinance for up to three years. The ordinance allows any area to be designated as a “red zone,” effectively barring people from entering.
Since the promulgation of the ordinance, protests have erupted across Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir, with the latest on November 19 in Rawalkot, Poonch division, human rights activist Dr. Mirza told the media. The protest turned violent when the police fired tear gas and attacked the peaceful protesters.
Hundreds of peaceful protesters including leaders of various organizations were arrested. Protests were held in many cities under the auspices of the Joint Public Action Committee, dozens of protesters were detained in Mirpur, Hajira and Rawalkot.
In response to police violence in Rawalkot, the Joint Public Action Committee has called for an indefinite general strike, which is scheduled to begin on December 5.
The group’s demands include the end of privileges for civil servants and members of the legislative assembly in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir, the release of all political prisoners and the killing of peaceful protesters by police and Pakistani Rangers on May 11 and in Muzaffarabad. Includes compensation for those injured. 13.
The incident took place during a massive long march that had about half a million participants. The Joint Public Action Committee has also called for the repeal of the Presidential Ordinance that restricts citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
Dr. Mirza further emphasized that the people of Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir are being deprived of basic human rights and now they have lost their basic right to protest under this new ordinance. He expressed concern over the uncertain situation in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir and warned that protests could spread across the region. Meanwhile, the Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir High Court has upheld the Peaceful Assembly Public Ordinance 2024.
Instead of addressing the protesters’ legitimate concerns, Pakistani authorities responded with force, using baton charges, tear gas and arbitrary detentions to suppress dissenting voices.
The crackdown led to the arrest of several civilians, including members of the Potohari hill Muslim community, who were detained by the local police and jailed in Rawalkot. Human rights organizations and activists have expressed concern over the growing trend of repression and the shrinking space for peaceful advocacy in the region.
In the light of these developments, the people of Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir are demanding the human rights leaders, international human rights organizations and the international community to resolve these violations immediately. There have been calls to pressure Pakistan to repeal repressive laws in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit, while ensuring that the fundamental rights of people in these regions are protected and respected.
Javed Baig, a political activist from Jammu and Kashmir, expressed deep concern over the situation, saying that the people of Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir should live with dignity, free from fear and with the ability to voice their concerns without coercion. are deserved. He stressed that freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are essential pillars of any democratic society and must be protected at all costs.
The Public Action Committee working in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit has finalized the new protest calendar, in which a peaceful protest has been called for on Friday, November 29. The international community should take note of the increasing human rights violations in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan and stand in solidarity with the people of the region, due to which the crackdown on freedom-loving people is ongoing. Should be. The voices of citizens demanding justice and restoration of their rights should not be silenced through threats and violence.
