Kashmiri demonstrators on Tuesday held a protest outside the Pakistani Consulate in Bradford, UK, following reports that at least 11 people were killed when security forces opened fire on mourners attending a funeral in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The protest came just days after around 30 British MPs called for diplomatic action over alleged human rights violations in PoK.
The unrest in PoK began during preparations for a protest rally organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been demanding subsidised flour and cheaper electricity for residents. Authorities banned the JAAC on Friday, saying the move was necessary to maintain public order and security.
During the protest in Bradford, demonstrators accused Pakistani authorities of using excessive force against people taking part in protests across PoK.
Many organisers from the Kashmiri diaspora claimed that several civilians were killed or injured during firing by Pakistani security forces. They said the situation was particularly tense in Rawalakot, where protests have continued since June 5.
The developments came as a group of nearly 30 British MPs, headed by Bradford East MP Imran Hussain, a parliamentarian with roots in PoK, urged the UK government to engage diplomatically over reports of arrests, communication restrictions and rising tensions in the region.
The action by the Pakistani administration in the illegally occupied territory came as the JAAC prepared to hold a march demanding the implementation of its 38-point charter, which includes calls for subsidised flour and electricity.
Reports suggest that the protests in PoK were driven by demands for basic rights, economic relief, affordable power and greater accountability from the authorities.
Activists associated with the movement alleged that security operations over the past two days had led to over 100 deaths and many injuries.
The unrest has attracted growing international attention. Concerns over electricity shortages, rising costs and access to essential services have led to similar protests in the past.
A group of about 30 British MPs formally raised concerns over reports of communication disruptions, arrests and rising tensions in PoK.
In a letter to the UK Foreign Office, Imran Hussain, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir, referred to reports of a communication blackout as part of a wider lockdown in the region.
The letter, signed by 30 MPs, urged the British government to use diplomatic channels to encourage de-escalation and help find a peaceful solution to the situation. The MPs also expressed concern over reports of arrests, including those involving British nationals, restrictions on communication and a breakdown in talks between authorities and representatives of the JAAC.
"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 JAAC," the MPs stated in the letter. They warned that communication blackouts and restrictions in such a sensitive situation could further increase tensions and weaken public trust.
Also read: India snubs Pak at UN over 'Fitna-al-Hindustan' narrative
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