A leading international human rights organisation has raised serious concern over a brutal crackdown on protesters by Pakistani forces in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), which has left several civilians dead and dozens injured. The remarks came following reports that several people, including women and children, were killed and dozens of others were seriously injured in recent days after Pakistani security forces opened fire and carried out drone strikes against peaceful protesters in the Rawalakot region of the occupied territory.
In a letter to the authorities, Amnesty International urged them to conduct a prompt, thorough, impartial, effective and transparent investigation into the deaths and injuries of protesters as well as the unlawful use of force, including lethal weapons by Pakistani security personnel.
Citing reports, the rights body said that nearly 90 people were killed in June and July this year in PoK, amid allegations that Pakistani forces used lethal force against peaceful protesters, particularly in Rawalakot. The rights body said, despite the UN High Commissioner having previously called for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all deaths that occurred during the unrest in PoJK, no investigation has taken place.
