Thousands of Kashmiris residing in the United Kingdom took part in the London Kashmir Million March. The demonstration began at Parliament Square and progressed towards the Pakistani High Commission, with participants voicing concerns over alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Organisers estimated that approximately 50,000 individuals joined the march, which also saw participation from Baloch and Pashtun communities, all highlighting their respective struggles against the Pakistani military.

Throughout the demonstration, protestors chanted slogans advocating for freedom and condemned the arrests of key political figures, including Shaukat Nawaz Mir, the leader of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Activists viewed the detention of Kashmiri political leaders as an infringement upon essential rights to free expression and peaceful assembly, calling for their immediate release.

The gathering aimed not only to press for the release of detained activists but also to draw attention to the broader issue of human rights practices in PoJK. Participants expressed solidarity with the local populace by addressing grievances concerning repression in the region.

Allegations of Human Rights Violations in PoJK

Mahmood Kashmiri, an activist from PoJK, spoke outside the Pakistan High Commission, alleging that Pakistani forces had engaged in violent actions against civilians in regions such as Tattapani, Sehnsa, and Kotli. He stressed the need for solidarity among Kashmiris worldwide, asserting that they are unified in opposing oppression from Pakistani authorities. He remarked on the resilience of the Kashmiri community, both in PoJK and abroad, against what they perceive as severe injustices.

Kashmiri emphasised the necessity for Pakistan to honour existing agreements regarding the rights of people in PoJK. He stated that if Pakistani forces continued with oppressive measures, the international Kashmiri community would remain steadfast in their struggle against such actions. He demanded that the bodies of Kashmiri youths, reportedly apprehended by authorities, be returned to their families and highlighted the urgent necessity for the release of detained youth.

In his statements, Mahmood underscored a commitment to continuing a peaceful resistance against perceived injustices, demonstrating the resolve of activists to advocate for their rights in the face of oppression.

Context of Continued Unrest in PoJK

The London protest coincided with ongoing tensions in PoJK, which have been escalating since June 5, 2023, following local protests that resulted in fatalities due to police actions. According to reports from organisers, the situation in the region has intensified, with multiple arrests of JAAC leaders and activists, reflecting a sustained crackdown on political dissent.

The London Kashmir Million March was designed to not only support the victims of unrest in PoJK but also to hold the Pakistani government accountable for alleged human rights violations. Protestors called on the international community to pay attention to the issues faced by Kashmiris, urging global leaders to recognise the continuous repression in the territory.

As demonstrators rallied for these causes, the event served as a prominent platform for advocating human rights and drawing international focus to the struggles faced by those in PoJK. The protest highlights the complexities and ongoing challenges surrounding the political landscape in the region.

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