PoK activist appeals to PM Modi over rights violations

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) human rights activist Amjad Ayub Mirza on Tuesday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene on behalf of residents of PoK, alleging widespread rights violations and growing pressure on political activists in the region. Mirza claimed that political and civil rights campaigners in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) were facing arrests, detentions and other forms of repression. He alleged that several members and leaders of the Gilgit-Baltistan Awami Action Committee had been jailed as part of efforts to suppress demands for political representation and economic rights, news agency ANI reported. He further alleged that Pakistani security agencies, in coordination with local authorities, were preparing a major crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee ahead of a general strike scheduled for June 9. According to Mirza, such measures could further restrict democratic activism in the region. Drawing attention to economic and humanitarian concerns, Mirza cited Eid-day demonstrations by hundreds of health workers in PoK as a sign of growing public discontent. He argued that unemployment, economic hardship and political grievances had contributed to deteriorating living conditions for many residents. He has called on PM Modi to take note of the situation, saying India’s leadership could play a significant role in highlighting the concerns of people living in PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan and praised Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on development, accountability and economic growth, saying these principles offered hope to people seeking better governance and opportunities. “Only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can guarantee a better life for those crying for justice and dignity,” Mirza said, while urging the international community not to overlook the situation. He also called on India to raise the issue of alleged human rights abuses in PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan at international forums and support efforts aimed at securing civil liberties, democratic rights and economic justice for residents.