Tensions remain high in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) as Pakistani security forces reportedly fired tear gas at protestors after renewed clashes with members of the Joint Awami Action Committee.
The clampdown in PoK came amid a planned protest rally by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) for subsidised flour and electricity.
The JAAC was outlawed on Friday by authorities, citing concerns over public order and security.
Meanwhile, a shutdown strike continues across the region amid escalating unrest. The situation has further deteriorated following a communications blackout imposed after violent clashes between protesters and Pakistani security forces in Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad left several people dead.
The condition remains grim in parts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir as anti-Pakistan protests drew in hundreds of protestors who took to the streets, and shutdowns continue in cities such as Bhimbar and Kotli.
The recent development comes after over 20 people were reportedly killed in police action on protesters in several parts of PoK.
The crackdown by Pakistani authorities on civilians has drawn in global condemnation.
More than 50 members of the British Parliament have written to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressing concern over reports of a communications blackout, arrests, and escalating tensions in PoK.
In a letter sent to the UK Foreign Office on June 6, Bradford East MP Imran Hussain, who is also the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir, highlighted reports from the region of internet and mobile service disruptions, restrictions on communications, and growing unrest.
In the letter, the parliamentarians said they had been contacted by numerous British Kashmiris who were unable to establish contact with relatives in PoJK.
The signatories expressed concern over reports of arrests, including those of British nationals, and the reported breakdown of dialogue between authorities and representatives of the JAAC.
They noted that restrictions on communications in an already sensitive political environment risk increasing uncertainty and further escalating tensions.
Meanwhile, protesters on Tuesday staged a demonstration in front of the Pakistani Consulate in Bradford and accused the Pakistani authorities of using excessive force against civilians participating in demonstrations across PoK.
Organisers, many of them from the Kashmiri diaspora, claimed that several civilians were killed and injured during the firing by Pakistani security forces, particularly in Rawalakot, where protests have intensified since June 5.
Former Director General of Police of Jammu & Kashmir, Shesh Paul Vaid, strongly condemned the violence in PoJK, accusing Pakistani security forces of using excessive force against civilians and peaceful protesters.
"The situation in PoJK is extremely serious. Many people have been killed and several others have been injured due to indiscriminate firing. According to reports, Pakistan Rangers, the Pakistan Army, and local police have opened fire, resulting in multiple casualties", Vaid said.
He asserted that the ongoing unrest has exposed Pakistan's "false narrative" on Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that the people of PoJK themselves are now challenging Islamabad's policies.
"The firing on peaceful protesters is similar to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre," Vaid said, claiming that citizens demanding their rights were met with bullets instead of dialogue. He further said that Pakistan has never genuinely cared for the welfare of Kashmiris and has repeatedly used force to suppress dissent.
(With inputs from ANI, PTI)