UKPNP condemns imposition of Section 144, arrests in PoJK

The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) strongly condemned the recent arrest of activists including Ali Shamriaz and the imposition of Section 144 in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

The arrests by Pakistani authorities in Muzaffarabad have raised concerns over the safety and well-being of the detainees, who were reportedly subjected to brutal beatings and torture.

UKPNP leaders, including Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri and Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan, expressed deep disappointment over the crackdown on peaceful activists and heavy deployment of security personnel, turning PoJK into a military cantonment.

The press release highlighted the names of detained activists, including members of the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, and expressed grief over the alleged killing of two innocent girls due to tear gas shells during the protests.

UKPNP leaders strongly condemned the killings and brutality and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained activists.

He stressed that the use of force against peaceful protesters is unacceptable and vowed to oppose it in all international forums.

Furthermore, UKPNP leaders urged the United Nations and other human rights organizations to immediately intervene and address the deteriorating situation in PoJK. They called for immediate action to ensure the protection and release of all arbitrarily detained persons and the protection of civil liberties in the region.

The press release also noted reports of ongoing raids to detain more activists, which appear to be aimed at disrupting the People’s Rights March scheduled for 11 May in Muzaffarabad.