Islamabad, July 14 (IANS). Hundreds of school children in their school uniforms, along with teachers and parents, gathered at the Eidgah ground in Rawalakot amid rising tension in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The children held white flags in their hands and protested against the alleged heavy-handed action of the Pakistani Army in the area.
The protest came as Pakistani authorities warned that action would be taken against the recently banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) if any untoward incident involving students takes place during its scheduled protests.
Ignoring this warning, a large number of students took to the streets on Monday. They were holding banners that read, ‘International media should give us coverage.’ The students also raised slogans against the Pakistani army.
These ongoing protests in PoK are being seen as a direct challenge to Islamabad’s long-standing control over the area. According to reports, many civilians have died and many have been injured in the action of Pakistani security forces. During this period, there is a situation of strict restrictions, curfew, and complete closure of communication system in the area.
Meanwhile, the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) organized a conference which was attended by representatives of Kashmiris living in PoK and across the world, journalists and social activists. Human rights violations in the area, the ongoing siege and the crackdown on civilians were discussed at the conference.
According to UKPNP, conference attendees called on Pakistani authorities to immediately end the use of force, arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances. They demanded the release of all arrested people, producing them before courts and unconditional handing over of bodies of those killed after June 5 to their families.
The group demanded that the ban imposed on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) be lifted, internet and mobile services be restored and supply of essential commodities like food and medicines be resumed in the area.
Furthermore, she demanded that Pakistani security forces be removed from hospitals, so that people can get safe treatment.
Last week, JAAC had announced to take out a long march towards PoK capital Muzaffarabad on July 15 and appealed to the people of the entire region to join it in large numbers.
Citing reports, JAAC also said that two more youths have died in firing by Pakistani security forces, which has further increased tension in the area.
JAAC wrote on social media platform
The group further said, “On one hand we are picking up the bodies of our young brothers. The remains of those killed a month ago are still in custody, and on the other hand the rulers are ignoring this incident and turning it into an election festival. We will hold these killers to account for the blood of our slain people.”
–IANS
AY/DKP
