New Delhi, Aug 1: Activists and students from Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday organised a silent protest and solidarity meeting at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), calling for the protection of human rights and justice for civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
The programme, held under the banner of Jammu and Kashmir Students of JNU at Sabarmati Dhaba, was attended by students, academicians, intellectuals and members of the J&K community.
Speakers expressed concern over reports of alleged human rights violations and hardships faced by civilians in PoJK, stressing that innocent people should not bear the consequences of political conflicts. They urged peaceful and lawful efforts to address humanitarian concerns and safeguard the dignity and rights of affected communities.
Social activists Ravinder Pandita and Romi Sharma Poonchi condemned the reported violence against civilians in PoJK and appealed to the international community and human rights organisations to examine the situation, ensure accountability and work towards the protection of civilians.
Rizwan Ahmed, a law student at Jamia Millia Islamia, criticised Pakistan’s handling of the situation in PoJK and called for the protection of fundamental human rights through peaceful and democratic means.
Addressing the gathering, Umar Farooq, a PhD scholar at JNU’s School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, highlighted the shared historical, cultural and social ties across Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the need to promote peace, dialogue and reconciliation.
Another speaker, Hamid Hashmi, a PhD scholar at JNU, said the people of PoJK share deep historical and familial ties with those in Jammu and Kashmir. He called upon democratic institutions, civil society organisations and the international community to work towards ensuring justice, dignity and the protection of human rights.
The programme concluded with participants reiterating their appeal for peace, justice and respect for human dignity, while expressing hope for dialogue and the protection of the rights of all people in the region.
