Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Saturday expressed deep anguish and grave concern over the escalating violence and loss of human lives in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, particularly in Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Mirpur and other affected areas, where reports indicate that protesters, civilians and security personnel have lost their lives amid the ongoing unrest.
In a statement, National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, strongly condemned the reported excessive use of force against peaceful protesters, communication restrictions, internet shutdowns, and the prolonged political tensions surrounding governance and electoral issues in the region.
Khuehami said the images and videos emerging from across the Line of Control are deeply heartbreaking and distressing. "Every human life is precious, and no political disagreement or administrative dispute can justify the loss of innocent lives. The continued cycle of violence only deepens suffering, mistrust and alienation," he said.
The Association strongly condemned the reported use of excessive force against protesters and expressed profound sorrow over the deaths and injuries suffered by civilians as well as members of law enforcement. It also voiced serious concern over reports of communication blackouts, restrictions on internet services and limitations on the free flow of information, emphasizing that transparency, accountability and access to information are essential during any period of civil unrest.
The Association urged the Government of Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint, immediately end the use of force against peaceful demonstrators, and instead pursue meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders. It said democracies are strengthened not by suppressing dissent but by listening to citizens, respecting the right to peaceful assembly, and addressing legitimate grievances through constitutional and democratic means.
"Peaceful advocacy for constitutional reform, democratic equality, accountable governance, freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly must never be criminalised," Khuehami said.
The Association stated that the aspirations and concerns of ordinary people particularly students, youth, workers and marginalized communities deserve to be heard with dignity and seriousness. The voices of young people demanding accountable governance, economic justice, employment opportunities, affordable education and democratic participation should never be met with violence or intimidation.
Khuehami observed that students and youth are often the first victims of prolonged political instability. Educational institutions are disrupted, academic futures become uncertain, internet shutdowns severely hamper learning and communication, and an atmosphere of fear discourages civic participation, he said.
The Association observed that the reported deaths and injuries in Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, Kotli and other areas are a painful reminder that grievances cannot be resolved through coercion. Lasting peace can only emerge through dialogue, justice, transparency and respect for fundamental freedoms.
Khuehami further said that it is deeply ironic that those who have repeatedly sought to lecture India on human rights now stand accused of perpetrating similar abuses across the Line of Control. "The Government of Pakistan cannot preach one standard of human rights for the people of Jammu and Kashmir while practising another in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Human rights are universal and indivisible. They cannot be selectively invoked for political convenience. The same principles of justice, dignity and democratic freedoms must apply equally to every individual, irrespective of geography," he said.
The Association called upon the United Nations to seek an impartial, independent and transparent investigation into all incidents resulting in the loss of human lives. It said those responsible for any unlawful use of force or violations of fundamental rights must be held accountable in accordance with international human rights standards.
Violence only widens divisions, whereas meaningful dialogue builds trust and lays the foundation for lasting peace and stability. Every citizen deserves dignity, justice, peace and the freedom to express legitimate grievances without fear. The answer to public discontent is dialogue, not bullets," association added.