A large group of protesters gathered outside the Pakistan
Consulate in Bradford to express their support for the Awami Action
Committee (AAC) of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and
Kashmir against the state’s repression and exploitation of resources.
The demonstrators, waving flags and holding placards, rallied in
solidarity with the AAC, which has been advocating for the rights of
the people in PoJK .
Mahmood Kashmiri Chairman of the Jammu
Kashmir National Independence Alliance (JKNIA), addressed the
crowd, highlighting the ongoing movement for public rights in
Jammu and Kashmir which has been
active for the past two years under Pakistan’s
administration.
He explained, “Our youth have been protesting in
harsh weather conditions, yet the Pakistani
authorities have paid little attention. Millions of people have joined
this movement, demanding that the government of Pakistan
address the issues in Jammu and Kashmir
Kashmiri emphasized the community’s demand for
control over their own resources, stating, “We are not asking for
charity or alms. We are simply asking for our rights–our resources
should be placed in our control.”
He also raised concerns about the treatment of Kashmiri
youth, many of whom have been arrested and
detained under Pakistan’s administration. He
pointed out that thousands of individuals have faced criminal
charges, and the region has been effectively shut down by Pakistani authorities.
The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in PoJK has
been protesting against the Peaceful Assembly and
Public Order Ordinance, 2024, which places severe restrictions on
public gatherings.
Critics argue that the ordinance violates the fundamental right to
freedom of expression. These protests reflect growing
frustration over the region’s economic neglect, lack of development,
and the increasing calls for greater political autonomy and
representation in PoJK .
He warned, “If our resources are not placed in our control, conditions
will arise that will be beyond both our and your control. Therefore, it is
better to grant us control over our resources.”
Kashmiri also criticized the constitutional ordinance
imposed by Pakistan , which prevents unregistered
Kashmiri political parties from holding protests.
He claimed that despite efforts to register his party, they were
charged but denied registration.
“Pakistan’s political parties are allowed to operate
freely in PoJK but Kashmiris are
restricted.
We urge Pakistan to allow Kashmiri
parties to function in their own land, ensuring a
healthy relationship between Kashmiris and
Pakistan .”
Kashmiri further condemned the lack of
development in PoJK , pointing to the ongoing issues
such as the incomplete Mangla Dam and the unfinished bridge that
has been under construction for 20 years.
He also raised the issue of exploitation, stating, “When Kashmiris land at Pakistan’s airports, they are
looted by the police and the authorities. We are being exploited from
all sides.
