HRCP, Amnesty call for 'prompt, independent' probe into Rawalakot unrest

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Amnesty International have expressed concern over reports of violence in the Rawalakot area of Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s (AJK) Poonch district, and called on the authorities to probe the incidents. Clashes took place between protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot on Monday and Mirpur on Tuesday, which reportedly resulted in several casualties. The now-proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been demanding the abolishment of 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for refugees from Indian-held Kashmir, has been holding protests in the region for several weeks now. The government has accused militant elements “pu­r­­s­u­ing a foreign age­nda and backed by Indian funding” of fomenting the unrest. The tensions come as elections are being held across AJK in three division-wise phases. In a statement published on Tuesday, the HRCP said it was “deeply alarmed” at reports of deaths and injuries in clashes between protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot on Monday. “The reported deaths in Rawalakot are a stark reminder of the human cost of the tensions that have gripped AJK in recent weeks,” the HRCP said. “While the authorities have a duty to maintain public order, this must never come at the expense of the right to life or the freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression,” it added.

The commission urged an end to the “cycle of violence” and called for a “prompt, impartial and independent investigation” into the reports of deaths and injuries. It also called for “anyone responsible for unlawful use of force to be held to account”. “We also urge the authorities to exercise restraint in responding to protests. As the remaining phases of the elections approach, the focus must shift from confrontation to protecting lives and restoring public confidence,” the statement concluded. Meanwhile, Amnesty International called on authorities to lift a communications blackout in the region. The statement, quoting Amnesty International’s Acting Regional Director for South Asia Isabelle Lassee, sought a “prompt, independent, and transparent investigation” into the reported use of force against protesters. “So long as an internet and mobile services blackout remains in place, it will severely impede the independent verification of the full extent of the situation on the ground. We urge the Pakistani authorities to restore all communications access and allow media and independent observers into the area,” she stated.

Internet services restored in parts of Muzaffarabad On Wednesday, internet services were restored in parts of Muzaffarabad division after remaining suspended for 54 days, bringing relief to residents who had repeatedly demanded an end to the blanket shutdown imposed on the night of June 5. It was not immediately clear whether the restoration covered the entire Muzaffarabad division or was limited to the state capital. The unexpected restoration was greeted with relief by residents. However, many users complained that cellular data remained painfully slow, similar to the situation in Mirpur, and hoped the authorities would improve the service without further delay. Amid the suspension of mobile services in several parts of AJK, it has been difficult to obtain information from residents and officials in those areas. Secondary officials have also refrained from commenting on the situation. The authorities had restored internet services in Mirpur division on July 23, four days before polling in the first phase of the elections. Although the situation in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur divisions had largely returned to normal, the authorities had continued to withhold internet services in both divisions despite repeated appeals from residents, businesses, students and political leaders. Over the past month, the regional administration and the JAAC have been at odds over various issues, most notably the committee’s demand to abolish the 12 seats in the region’s Legislative Assembly, which has resulted in protests across the region. On June 5, following the announcement of the JAAC’s June 9 strike, the AJK government declared the committee a proscribed organisation and placed it under the First Schedule of the region’s anti-terrorism act (ATA). The next day, AJK authorities launched a crackdown on the JAAC, arresting scores of its leaders and later placing 147 of its activists on the Fourth Schedule of the ATA. On Tuesday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that JAAC were not peaceful but violent, alleging the involvement of militant elements pursuing a foreign agenda and backed by Indian funding. “Peaceful and transparent elections were held in AJK, with all the mainstream political parties participating fully. The people of Kashmir responded to the call of the election,” he stated, referring to the first phase of elections held in Mirpur division on Monday. However, he said, the banned outfit could not accept this political activity, nor the peaceful and transparent elections.

Additional input by Tariq Naqash