British MP Imran Hussain has expressed deep concern over the increasing tension and alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Expressing concern over the incidents of violence, he has demanded immediate reduction of tension and start of peaceful talks.
UK Bradford East MP Imran Hussain has expressed deep concern over reports of increasing tension and alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). He urged for immediate de-escalation of tensions, restoration of communications and resumption of peaceful talks.
In a video statement shared on Twitter, Hussain said he was “deeply concerned and troubled” by reports coming from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which he described as a serious increase in tension and human rights violations. According to Hussain, in his capacity as chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir, he has been contacted by several MPs as well as hundreds of his voters. They have expressed grave concern over reports of firing in Rawalakot district and later in Mirpur district, in which several deaths have reportedly occurred.
Will contact Pakistan and UK government
As quoted in the video, Hussain described the reported incidents as “very, very worrying” and said British Kashmiris are once again deeply concerned about the well-being and safety of their loved ones in the region. Hussain further said that he would contact the Pakistan High Commissioner to ascertain the concerns of British Kashmiris. He also said he would contact UK government ministers and urge them to continue using “every diplomatic tool” and “every diplomatic measure” to reduce tensions.
Appeal for peaceful talks by stopping violence
According to the video statement, Hussain called for an end to the lockdown and communication blackout in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He also urged an end to the use of force and an immediate resumption of peaceful dialogue and negotiations. Hussain said any future talks should focus on the “inalienable and basic human rights” of Kashmiris.
Concluding his statement, Hussein stressed that “the only way forward, the only solution is de-escalation, restraint and peace,” and said further bloodshed must be prevented.
Accusations of firing on protesters
The recent demonstrations, especially in Rawalakot, became a symbol of greater tension, when thousands of protesters participating in the ‘Awami Huqoq Long March’ attempted to continue their march towards Muzaffarabad. The protesters alleged that Pakistani security forces used indiscriminate firing and excessive force to disperse the crowd, resulting in several casualties and injuries.
The violence has intensified criticism of Islamabad’s handling of dissent in PoJK, with activists accusing authorities of responding to political demands with force rather than dialogue. (ANI)
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