Rawalakot Violence: UKPNP Demands Global Action Over Alleged Pakistani Forces Crackdown on Protesters

Tensions have intensified in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), following reports of violence during a security operation targeting ongoing public protests. The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) has strongly condemned the alleged use of excessive force by Pakistani security personnel, raising serious concerns over civilian safety and human rights in the region. The organisation has called on the international community to intervene and ensure an independent investigation into the reported incidents.

According to a statement released by UKPNP on November 5, security forces allegedly targeted peaceful protest gatherings at Matialmera Bus Terminal, Umar Farooq Chowk and several other locations in Rawalakot during the early hours of Thursday. The party claimed that heavy machine guns, armoured vehicles and drones were used during the operation against demonstrators.

UKPNP spokesperson Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan reported that at least three people had been killed and 18 others seriously injured in the incidents. The organisation identified the deceased as Atif Jardees, aged 35, Ehtisham Younis, aged 30, and Adil Rashid, aged 32. The reported casualties have raised further concerns among local communities over the safety of civilians participating in the demonstrations.

The organisation also expressed alarm over an alleged drone attack near Matialmera Bus Terminal. According to its statement, a residential property belonging to a local resident, Shakeel Khan, was reportedly destroyed by fire following the incident. UKPNP referred to reports suggesting that four children may have died in the incident, while emphasising that these claims require urgent independent verification.

The allegations have emerged amid continuing tensions between local protest groups and Pakistani authorities. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has been associated with demonstrations demanding political rights, improved public services, economic relief and greater accountability from the regional administration. Protesters have maintained that their demands should be addressed through peaceful dialogue rather than the use of force.

However, accounts of the Rawalakot operation remain contested. Pakistani police have reportedly presented a different version, alleging that armed individuals among the protesters opened fire on security personnel during an operation to remove road obstructions and restore public movement. The conflicting accounts have made independent verification of the circumstances and casualty figures particularly important.

Reacting to the developments, UKPNP described the reported violence as a serious human rights concern. The party urged the United Nations, European Union and other influential international stakeholders to take immediate notice of the situation. It also called for independent international fact-finding missions, human rights organisations and journalists to receive access to the affected areas.

The organisation stressed that an impartial investigation should examine the reported deaths, injuries, alleged drone strikes and destruction of residential properties. It said transparent inquiries were necessary to establish the facts and determine accountability wherever violations are proven.

The latest developments also follow concerns raised by six United Nations Special Rapporteurs over Pakistan’s designation of the Joint Awami Action Committee as a terrorist organisation. In a communication to the Pakistani government, the experts questioned whether the designation complied with international human rights standards and raised concerns about reported restrictions on peaceful assembly, arrests, alleged excessive force and communication restrictions.

UKPNP reiterated its support for the peaceful demands of the people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, calling for the protection of civil liberties, property rights and democratic freedoms. The party maintained that dialogue, accountability and respect for fundamental rights remain essential to preventing further escalation.

With allegations of civilian casualties and the use of force continuing to draw attention, the situation in Rawalakot has renewed calls for international scrutiny. Independent investigations and reliable information from the affected areas will be crucial in establishing the full circumstances surrounding the reported violence.