India has urged the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to seek impartial investigations into reported killings by Pakistani security forces during protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), along with due process for detained activists and the restoration of internet access in the region.
Anuj Swarup, First Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, raised the concerns while delivering India’s statement at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee during an interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
In a post on X, India’s Permanent Mission said the statement highlighted India’s constructive engagement as a member of the Human Rights Council and expressed concern over what it described as the selectivity and double standards of OHCHR, which it said undermine trust in multilateralism.
India called for an OHCHR report on Pakistan addressing impartial investigations into the reported killings, due process for detained Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) leaders and the lifting of restrictions on internet access across PoJK.
India also urged Pakistan to reflect on the human rights situation in areas under its control, particularly regions it describes as under illegal occupation.
The statement comes amid continuing unrest in PoJK, where the JKJAAC has been leading protests over long-pending demands, governance issues and the authorities’ handling of demonstrations.
Earlier this month, the committee announced an indefinite shutdown and wheel-jam strike across the region, intensifying its confrontation with the authorities. It also opposed the installation of political leadership without what it considers a genuine electoral mandate.
Tensions escalated further following reports of clashes, injuries and the use of force against demonstrators in several areas. Protesters also condemned reported firing by Pakistani security forces in Rawalakot, while the action committee called for the release of detained activists, withdrawal of cases against demonstrators and implementation of its broader demands.
The unrest follows elections held in the region in July, which, according to the report, were marked by violence and allegations of electoral irregularities. Campaign activities were reportedly disrupted by strikes, demonstrations and restrictions, while limited public participation was also noted.
Last month, the JKJAAC accused the Pakistan government of creating conditions in PoJK similar to those in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that the handling of protests and dissent could lead to further unrest.
-ANI
