Thousands of British Kashmiris protest outside UK Parliament over alleged rights violations in PoJK

Thousands of members of the British Kashmiri community assembled outside the Palace of Westminster on Sunday, raising concerns over the situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and demanding global attention to alleged rights violations during recent unrest.

The demonstrators accused Pakistani security forces of using excessive force against protesters and highlighted reports of civilian deaths, injuries and alleged mistreatment of residents, including women. They called on international organisations to examine the developments and hold those responsible accountable.

Waving banners and holding placards, protesters demanded justice for those affected by the violence and appealed to the United Nations and human rights bodies to intervene. Chants demanding accountability and protection of basic rights were heard during the gathering outside the UK Parliament.

The protesters also appealed to the United Nations and global human rights organisations to investigate the developments in the region, with slogans seeking accountability and justice for the victims echoing through the gathering outside the UK Parliament.

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Speakers at the demonstration said people in PoJK had been protesting over a range of issues, including rising living costs, expensive electricity, governance failures and delays in meeting promises made by authorities.

They alleged that security agencies responded to these demonstrations with disproportionate force, leading to civilian casualties and injuries. Protesters specifically accused Pakistani Rangers and other security personnel of carrying out a violent crackdown on demonstrations across parts of PoJK.

The demonstrators demanded an impartial investigation into the reported incidents and sought legal action against those responsible for the deaths and injuries during the unrest.

Organisers said the London protest was aimed at highlighting the concerns of PoJK residents before the international community and urging global institutions to ensure the protection of fundamental rights in the region.

During the rally, protesters alleged that security forces opened fire on a sit-in protest at Rawalakot Eidgah on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to more than a dozen others.

The claims have not been independently verified.

The demonstration outside Westminster concluded peacefully, with participants repeating their appeal for dialogue, accountability and respect for human rights.

The London protest follows days of demonstrations in PoJK, where residents have been protesting over economic pressures, governance-related issues and demands linked to the allocation of reserved seats in the legislative assembly.

Reports have suggested 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.

With inputs from agencies