London: Kashmiris living in Britain protested in several cities against the actions of Pakistani security forces in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Protesters protested outside Pakistani diplomatic missions in London, Manchester, Bradford, and Birmingham, demanding an end to the alleged crackdown on civilians.
The protests, which took place on Monday local time, expressed anger over the actions of Pakistani security forces against civilians in Rawalakot and other areas of PoK. Recent reports indicate that several people, including women and children, have been killed and dozens seriously injured in Pakistani security force firing and drone strikes.
Memorandum submitted to Shahbaz Sharif
According to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a delegation of the British Kashmiri community submitted an urgent memorandum to Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. It demanded ensuring the safety of civilians, providing medical and humanitarian assistance to the injured, preserving evidence, and resuming direct dialogue in PoK.
The signatories to the memorandum stated that the situation requires immediate humanitarian intervention following the new deaths, injuries, and serious allegations of violence during security operations in Rawalakot on November 5, 2026. They warned that delaying action could further harm civilians, increase public discontent, and undermine the prospects for peaceful dialogue.
Concerns of six UN experts also mentioned
The memorandum demanded the Pakistan government investigate the deaths, confirmed by independent sources, and urged an impartial and prompt investigation into serious allegations of alleged human rights violations in PoK.
The delegation also mentioned the concerns recently raised by six UN special experts. These concerns included the designation of the JAAC as a terrorist organization, counter-terrorism measures related to it, alleged unlawful killings, excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, restrictions on communication services, and the inclusion of 205 individuals in the Fourth Schedule of Pakistan’s anti-terrorism law.
The memorandum also demanded immediate interim measures to stop these alleged violations and prevent future incidents.
Protesters object to the use of force
The memorandum stated that firing should not be the sole method of dispersing a gathering or demonstration. It also stated that the use of lethal force is only legal when absolutely necessary to save lives from an imminent threat.
The signatories urged the Pakistani government to protect civilians, ensure treatment of the injured, preserve evidence, account for detained and missing persons, review decisions related to sanctions and the Fourth Schedule, and respond to the United Nations’ concerns.
The memorandum called for timely leadership, restraint within the framework of the law, and a credible political solution. It called on Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to the rights and dignity of Kashmiris through the protection of civilians, the disclosure of truth, accountability, due process, and the implementation of agreements.