Responding to reports of the deaths of at least nine people, including six protesters and three police officers, and injuries to hundreds of others during ongoing protests in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir which have taken place amid a communications blackout in the region, Babu Ram Pant, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, said:
“The situation in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir was preventable and now the priority of the authorities must be to ensure that there are no further injuries or loss of life. There should also be an immediate, impartial and transparent investigation into all incidents of deaths and injuries, including investigating the excessive use of force by law enforcement, and all those responsible must be held to account.
“This is not the first time the authorities have cracked down on peaceful protests in the region. Pakistani authorities have a positive obligation under international human rights law to respect the right to peaceful assembly and to facilitate and protect peaceful protesters. Even in instances where some protesters turn violent, the peaceful participants should not be prevented from protesting peacefully. Law enforcement must assess the situation on a case-by-case basis and should attempt non-violent means first before resorting to the use of force, which must be necessary and strictly proportionate to the seriousness of the offence.
The situation in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir was preventable and now the priority of the authorities must be to ensure that there are no further injuries or loss of life
Babu Ram Pant, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia
“Regrettably, the total communication blackout in the region has further exacerbated the situation, creating panic, restricting mobility, impacting access to essential services, and increasing the possibility of misinformation. The Pakistani authorities must immediately lift the blanket communication ban to allow people to exercise their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and access to information.”
Background
According to government officials, nearly 172 police personnel and 50 protesters were injured in the protests. Protest organizers have claimed that over 100 protesters have been injured following police use of lethal force.
The protests have been organized by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), an alliance demanding civil liberties and political rights in the region, demanding an end to special privileges for government officials, restoration of student unions, access to free and quality healthcare and education, among others. The JKJAAC had engaged in talks with the government before calling for a region-wide strike on 29 September. In the lead up to the strike, the government shut down all mobile, landline and internet services in the region since 28 September.
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