WATCH: Massive protests erupt in Poland amid soaring inflation, with tear gas fired at demonstrators

Clashes broke out between police and demonstrators in Dadiyar, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during demonstrations against soaring inflation and power outages. Pakistani authorities have imposed a curfew after skirmishes in Mirpur district left multiple people injured.

Dozens of protesters expressed anger over the deployment of FC and Rangers forces in Muzaffarabad and chased away the police. Tear gas shells were also reported to have been fired at school students in Mirpur. Condemning state atrocities, rights activists say “state-sponsored violence” by Pakistan’s federal authorities is a tactic to enforce Article 144 and protests planned for May 11 outside Parliament in Muzaffarabad. They denounced it as a prelude to suppressing the movement.

PoK Article 144

The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) condemned the arrests and imposition of Article 144 in areas illegally occupied by Pakistan. The PoK-based UKPNP also strongly condemned the recent arrests of activists, including Ali Shamriaz, and the imposition of Article 144 in PoK. Human rights groups have expressed concern about the safety of prisoners who are said to have been brutally beaten and tortured by Pak authorities.

UKPNP leaders, including Shaukat Ali Kashmiri and Nasir Aziz Khan, expressed regret at the crackdown on peace activists and the large-scale deployment of security forces. UKPNP leaders demanded the immediate release of all arrested activists and called on the United Nations and human rights organizations to urgently intervene to address the deteriorating situation in PoJK.

infringement of rights

Kashmir has been a disputed territory between Pakistan and India since the partition of the Indian subcontinent.by Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP); While human rights violations continue, the human rights situation in illegally occupied territories has received little attention.

The limited domestic media presence in PoK results in poor coverage and, as a result, the availability of important documents to assess the human rights situation in the region. Last year, PoK experienced serious human rights violations amid widespread protests against the government’s decision to withdraw flour subsidies and increase electricity prices. The crackdown on activists and demonstrators has led to arrests and allegations of torture in custody.