London, June 11 (IANS) Several British parliamentarians have strongly condemned the “excessive or unlawful” use of force against “peaceful protesters and civil society representatives” in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).
In a motion presented in the UK Parliament, the lawmakers expressed grave concern over reports of communications blackouts, lockdown measures, mass arrests, and raids in PoK.
They also raised alarm over the “distress caused to British Kashmiris and others in the UK who have been unable to contact relatives and loved ones in the region, including British citizens” currently in PoK.
The signatories also criticised the restrictions on communications, safe medical access for injured persons, due process for detainees, and the breakdown in dialogue between the authorities and peaceful protesters and civil society groups.
“Peaceful advocacy for constitutional reform, democratic equality, accountable governance, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly should not be criminalised,” they further said.
The signatories demanded the “immediate restoration of communications, the lifting of restrictions affecting contact between families, safe medical access for all injured persons, protection of peaceful assemblies, and the release or prompt production before court of all detainees.”
The parliamentarians called on the government of Pakistan to “immediately end the lockdown, restore all communications, and resume peaceful table talk and negotiation through dialogue” with respect for the human rights of the people in PoK.
It urged the authorities to “use all appropriate diplomatic channels to facilitate an immediate lifting of the lockdown, a restoration of all communications, enhanced consular support for affected British nationals, prevent any further escalation, and engage urgently in constructive table talks to secure a peaceful resolution” that respects the human rights of people in the region.
The remarks came amid reports that several people have been killed and hundreds injured following deadly clashes between the law enforcement personnel and protesters in the Rawalakot city of PoK.
The clashes have been reported days after the Pakistani authorities in occupied territory declared the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a proscribed group under anti-terrorism laws ahead of its planned protest on June 9.
Earlier this week, several British parliamentarians wrote to the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, Yvette Cooper, expressing serious concern over reports of a communications blackout in PoK, describing it as part of a broader lockdown.
They also highlighted the escalating tensions and restrictions affecting the ability of people in the region to communicate with the outside world.
In a letter addressed to Cooper, the British lawmakers wrote, “As parliamentarians, we have been contacted by numerous constituents from across the United Kingdom who report being unable to contact relatives and loved ones in the region. This has caused significant anxiety and distress amongst British Kashmiris, many of whom are understandably concerned about the welfare and safety of their families.”
“We are also concerned by reports of arrests, including those of British nationals, restrictions on communications, and a breakdown in dialogue between the authorities and representatives of the Joint Awami Action Committee,” they added.
The signatories called on the UK government to engage proactively and use all appropriate diplomatic channels to encourage de-escalation and a peaceful resolution.
–IANS
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