Alliance Demands End to Force in Azad Kashmir and Resumption of Talks

Islamabad: The Tehreek Tahaffuz Aaeen Pakistan (TTAP) on Monday condemned the alleged use of force by state institutions against unarmed citizens in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and called for immediate talks with protesters.

According to The Express Tribune, tension persists in Rawalakot following alleged clashes between security forces and supporters of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee, and deaths have been reported.

The alliance’s statement said the government first chose the path of dialogue with the Awami Action Committee but, instead of making practical progress on its demands, decided to suppress the movement. It said the state’s responsibility is to protect citizens, not to have them killed by its own institutions.

TTAP said its high-level delegation was travelling to Azad Kashmir to meet protesters, express solidarity and assess the situation, but was stopped at Kohala. The alliance described this as a restriction on political activity and freedom of movement, and said the government should explain its decision.

The alliance’s demands include: the immediate handover of the bodies of those allegedly killed to their families; a transparent and impartial inquiry into the civilian deaths and the use of force so that those responsible can be identified; immediate medical aid for the injured; access to justice for those arrested in accordance with the law; compensation for damage to public and private property; and unhindered access for the delegation and other political and social representatives to victims and protesters.

The statement warned that backing away from talks, the use of force and restrictions on the movement of political representatives would further worsen the situation. The alliance said the people of Azad Kashmir are not alone and that their constitutional, democratic and fundamental rights would be raised on every constitutional and legal forum.

According to The Express Tribune, Azad Kashmir police say one Rangers personnel has been martyred, while the council of the Awami Action Committee has demanded an end to the use of force and an independent investigation into the unrest.