Thousands Protest Outside Pakistan High Commission In London, Demand 'Free PoK'

London: Thousands of Kashmiris living in the United Kingdom particiapted in the London Kashmir Million March on Sunday. The people held march from Parliament Square to the Pakistani High Commission to protest alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and demand the release of detained political activists.

What is the reason of protest?

Thousands of Kashmiris living in the UK have held a massive protest march against alleged human rights violations and the arrest of political activists in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Thousands took part in the 'London Kashmir Million March', marching from Parliament Square to the Pakistani High Commission.

The demonstration took place amid ongoing unrest in PoK, where protests have been ongoing since June 5. According to organizers, the movement intensified after several local protesters were killed in firing by Pakistani security forces. Since then, several leaders and activists associated with the Joint Awami Action Committee have been arrested. Protesters allege that the crackdown on political dissent continues.
 

What happen during the protest?

During the march, protesters raised pro-independence slogans and condemned the arrest of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) chief Shaukat Nawaz Mir and other political leaders.

Jammu and Kashmir National Independence Alliance (JKNIA) Chairman Mahmood Kashmiri said, "Thousands of people have gathered outside the Pakistani High Commission today, and Kashmiris around the world are raising their voices against Pakistani forces. We are raising our voices against oppression and injustice. We will not surrender to Pakistan under any circumstances and will continue our movement against this oppression and tyranny."

Islamabad is continuously being accused of taking strict and inhuman steps to suppress the anti-government public movement in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

What did JAAC say?

Sardar Aman Khan, a prominent member of the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), released a video message urging people to join the protests in large numbers. He also appealed to Indian citizens, especially those in Srinagar, to support the movement.

Sardar Aman Khan said, "I am speaking to the people of the Kashmir Valley, especially Srinagar. We are speaking to the people of Rajouri, Jammu, Ladakh, Kargil, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the entire state. It has been nearly a month since Kashmir (PoJK) has been facing pressure and repression. The oppression, injustice, genocide, and military aggression being faced by the people demanding their basic rights has reached its peak."