LONDON, June 14: Thousands of British Kashmiris assembled outside the Palace of Westminster in London on Sunday to protest against alleged human rights violations and the use of force by Pakistani security agencies in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
The demonstrators called for international intervention, accountability and justice for those affected by the recent unrest in the region.
Carrying banners and placards, protesters highlighted reports of civilian deaths, injuries, harassment of women and the suppression of peaceful demonstrations.
Speakers at the rally said residents of PoJK had been protesting over issues such as rising inflation, high electricity tariffs, shortages of essential commodities, governance concerns and the allocation of reserved legislative seats.
Participants alleged that Pakistani security forces responded to the protests with excessive force, leading to casualties and injuries in several areas.
They also claimed that security personnel opened fire on a sit-in at Rawalakot Eidgah on Sunday, killing two civilians and injuring more than a dozen others.
The protesters urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to investigate the developments and ensure accountability.
They demanded an independent inquiry into the reported violence and called for the protection of fundamental rights.
The demonstration remained peaceful, with participants stressing dialogue, justice and greater international attention to the situation in PoJK. (ANI)
