‘Must act now’: Kashmiri leader urges UNHRC action over ‘worsening’ rights situation in PoJK, PoGB | India News
United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) chairman Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri has urged the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to take immediate action over what he described as a worsening human rights situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB).Addressing the 63rd session of the UNHRC under Agenda Item 4, Kashmiri alleged that repression in PoJK had intensified since June 5, 2026. He cited reports of arrests, violence, deaths, injuries, alleged disappearances and restrictions on internet and mobile communications.Kashmiri called for an immediate, independent and impartial investigation into the reported violations. He also urged Pakistan to stop using force against peaceful protesters and release people he described as being arbitrarily detained.“Peaceful dissent is not terrorism, and demanding rights is not a crime,” Kashmiri said.
Call for monitoring and accountability
Kashmiri urged the UNHRC to establish independent monitoring mechanisms for the two territories and seek accountability for alleged human rights violations.He also called for the authorities to establish the whereabouts of missing persons and restore unrestricted internet and mobile communications across PoJK.
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The UKPNP chairman further called for the release of political prisoners in the Pakistan-occupied parts of Jammu and Kashmir. He said prolonged detention and alleged mistreatment should end.“The Council must act now to safeguard the lives and fundamental rights of millions of Kashmiris,” he said.
Concerns over PoGB
On PoGB, Kashmiri raised concerns over political representation, land rights and control over natural resources. He called for genuine democratic dialogue to address the unresolved issues.He also said development projects in the region should be carried out transparently, with consultation and respect for local communities.Kashmiri concluded by urging the UNHRC to demand accountability and increase international scrutiny of the human rights situation in PoJK and PoGB.
