Srinagar, Aug 3 (KDC): The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has expressed deep concern over the reported killings and escalating crackdown in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, urging the Government of Pakistan to exercise restraint, end the use of force against peaceful protesters and resolve the ongoing crisis through dialogue.
In a statement, to news agency Kashmir Dot Com, the Association’s National Convenor, Nasir Khuehami, condemned the reported violence in Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Mirpur and other affected areas, where protesters, civilians and security personnel have reportedly lost their lives during the continuing unrest.
Khuehami termed the images and videos emerging from across the Line of Control as “deeply heartbreaking and distressing,” saying that no political disagreement or administrative dispute could justify the loss of innocent lives.
“Every human life is precious. The continued cycle of violence only deepens suffering, mistrust and alienation,” he said.
The Association also condemned the reported use of excessive force against peaceful protesters and expressed concern over communication restrictions, internet shutdowns and curbs on the free flow of information in the region.
It said transparency, accountability and unrestricted access to information were essential during periods of civil unrest and stressed that suppressing dissent would only aggravate the situation.
The JKSA urged Pakistan to immediately halt the use of force against demonstrators and instead engage with all stakeholders through meaningful dialogue.
“Democracies are strengthened not by suppressing dissent but by listening to citizens, respecting the right to peaceful assembly and addressing legitimate grievances through constitutional and democratic means,” Khuehami said.
He asserted that peaceful advocacy for constitutional reforms, democratic equality, accountable governance, freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly should never be criminalised.
The Association said the aspirations of students, youth, workers and other marginalized sections deserved to be heard with dignity, adding that demands for accountable governance, economic justice, employment opportunities and democratic participation should not be met with violence or intimidation.
Highlighting the impact of political instability on young people, Khuehami said students were often the worst affected, as prolonged unrest disrupted education, created uncertainty over academic futures and internet shutdowns severely hampered learning and communication.
The Association observed that the reported deaths and injuries in Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, Kotli and other areas underscored the need to address public grievances through dialogue, justice and respect for fundamental freedoms rather than coercive measures.
Khuehami also said it was “deeply ironic” that those who had repeatedly criticised India on human rights issues now stood accused of similar violations across the Line of Control.
“The Government of Pakistan cannot preach one standard of human rights for the people of Jammu and Kashmir while practising another in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Human rights are universal and indivisible and cannot be selectively invoked for political convenience,” he said.
The Association called upon the United Nations to facilitate an impartial, independent and transparent investigation into the reported incidents resulting in the loss of lives and urged that anyone responsible for unlawful use of force or violations of fundamental rights be held accountable in accordance with international human rights standards.
Emphasising that violence only widens divisions, the Association said meaningful dialogue remained the only path towards lasting peace and stability, asserting that every citizen deserved dignity, justice and the freedom to express legitimate grievances without fear. (KDC)
