LONDON: VMPS-EU Strongly Condemns Violent Suppression by Pakistani Forces on Peaceful Demonstrators in Rawalakot, Pakistan-Administered Kashmir
Sarang Sindhi (Coordinator), Saeed Sindhi (Deputy Coordinator) and Shoaib Sindhi (Deputy Coordinator) of the Voice for Missing Persons of Sindh Europe (VMPS-EU) strongly condemned the brutal state response to peaceful demonstrations in Rawalakot, Occupied Kashmir, which reportedly left at least 19 people dead in the first attack and, later, more casualties, bringing the total number of those killed to 30, with many others injured. The use of lethal force against unarmed civilians exercising their fundamental right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression is unjustifiable and constitutes a serious violation of international human rights standards.
In a joint statement, they condemned the systematic suppression of peaceful political dissent. They stated that the Pakistani authorities continue to silence opposition through excessive force, threats, unlawful detentions, enforced disappearances and widespread intimidation. The recent tragedy in Rawalakot further highlights the urgent need for an independent investigation into the actions of the Pakistani authorities.
Sarang Sindhi, Saeed Sindhi and Shoaib Sindhi emphasized that the people of Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh, Balochistan, Saraikistan and Pashtunkhwa have long endured political repression, systematic human rights violations, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. VMPS-EU extends its deepest sympathies to the families affected by the violence in Kashmir and reaffirms its full solidarity with all those facing political persecution and state-sponsored oppression.
VMPS-EU appealed to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), British Government, the European Union and international human rights organizations to initiate an immediate and independent investigation into the recent atrocities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and neighboring regions. It urged the international community to take concrete action to uphold human rights, prevent further bloodshed, and protect democratic values.
VMPS-EU also rejected the ban on the Jammu Kashmir Awami Action Committee (JKAAC) and called for an international inquiry into the alleged torture of Kashmiris by Pakistani forces, while demanding the immediate acceptance of the protesters’ legitimate demands.
