Kotli, (Parliament Times) : On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, a large protest rally and public gathering was held in Kotli to express solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and to draw global attention to ongoing human rights violations in the region.
The rally commenced from Abshar Chowk and proceeded through key markets and main thoroughfares before culminating in a mass gathering at Shaheed Chowk. A large number of citizens, including students, lawyers, traders, refugees, civil society representatives, and social activists, participated in the demonstration. Participants wore black armbands and carried placards calling for the protection of human rights and an end to Indian oppression in Kashmir. Chanting slogans such as “Go India Go Back,” “Stop Human Rights Violations in Kashmir,” and “UN Wake Up,” demonstrators voiced strong condemnation of ongoing abuses.
The rally was led by Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Convener of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) AJK Chapter; General Secretary Advocate Parvez Shah; President Anjuman-e-Tajran Malik Muhammad Yaqoob; President Bar Association Aftab Anjum; Councillor Faisal Hassan; political leader Malik Rizwan; Jamaat-e-Islami Deputy Secretary General Habib-ur-Rehman Afaqi; Muslim Conference leader Yasin Qaiser; Hurriyat leader Advocate Mahmood Akhtar Qureshi; PPP Kotli President Advocate Parvez Akbar; District Councillor Ch. Shah Nawaz Yasin; Professor Ghulam Bani; retired Professor Iftikhar Butt; PPP leader Muhammad Ali Rathore; Pasban-e-Hurriyat representative Imtiaz Kashmiri; and Advocate Naseer Rathore, among others.
Addressing the gathering at Shaheed Chowk, speakers expressed deep concern over ongoing human rights violations in IIOJK. They stated that Kashmir remains under the world’s longest military siege, where civilians face extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, collective punishments, restrictions on media, suppression of religious activities, and widespread unlawful detentions.
Speakers highlighted that the unilateral and illegal actions undertaken by India on August 5, 2019, have further stripped Kashmiris of their fundamental rights. Thousands of youths remain imprisoned, political freedoms have been crushed, and communication restrictions continue to isolate the region.
APHC Convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi called upon the United Nations, OIC, European Union, international human rights bodies, and global media to fulfill their responsibilities and take concrete action for the rights of Kashmiris. He reaffirmed that Kashmiris seek the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions ensuring their right to self-determination.
The speakers praised the unwavering support of the people of Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, stating that such demonstrations amplify the global call for justice and strengthen the resolve of the Kashmiri people. They emphasized that Human Rights Day demands not only statements but practical steps to address the escalating crisis in Kashmir.
The event concluded with prayers for Kashmiri martyrs and a renewed pledge to continue the peaceful struggle until the people of Jammu & Kashmir achieve their legitimate rights and freedom.
