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UN chief backs impartial probe into PoK protest deaths
The United Nations has backed an impartial investigation into the deaths of protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres supports his human rights chief’s call for accountability if peaceful protesters…
The Story in Brief
The United Nations has backed an impartial investigation into the deaths of protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres supports his human rights chief’s call for accountability if peaceful protesters were harmed, his deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Friday. About 50 protesters have been killed since June during demonstrations led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) against alleged election irregularities.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has demanded prompt, thorough probes into all deaths, including of security personnel. He also voiced concern over Pakistan banning the JAAC under anti-terrorism laws and arresting its leaders, calling it a violation of freedom of expression and assembly. The UN urged authorities to restore full internet access and hold inclusive political dialogue to address local grievances.
The Indian Opinion
The UN’s call for an inquiry is standard, but the real test is whether Pakistan permits an independent probe into the PoK killings. Islamabad’s narrative of anti-terrorism action against the Joint Awami Action Committee clashes with evidence of 50 civilian deaths and a ban on peaceful assembly. Will Pakistan restore internet access and allow international observers before the July elections? That will settle whether accountability is genuine or just rhetoric.
Sources (2): telanganatoday.com, indiatoday.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
