I am writing to draw attention to the continuing human rights violations and restrictions on fundamental freedoms reported from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The situation in PoJK has remained a matter of concern for a long time, and recent developments have further highlighted questions surrounding freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, access to information, communication, and protection of civilian life. In 2026, international and Pakistani human rights organisations and media outlets have reported on internet and mobile-service restrictions, arrests, clashes, alleged excessive or lethal use of force, and restrictions on civic mobilisation.
Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into reported deaths and injuries and for restoration of communications, while the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has also called for urgent political dialogue and raised concerns about restrictions on expression and connectivity.
Against this backdrop, civil society in Jammu and Kashmir, India, has a legitimate humanitarian interest in drawing attention to the concerns of people across the Line of Control. As communities connected by a shared history, culture, heritage and human bonds, we should not remain indifferent to credible reports of killings, arrests, disappearances, restrictions on basic rights, communication blockades and suppression of peaceful dissent.
There are also concerns regarding the political and democratic participation of ordinary citizens, opportunities for youth, economic development, access to basic services, protection of minorities, and the preservation of local culture and heritage. These issues deserve to be examined through credible, independent and transparent mechanisms rather than being allowed to remain obscured by political narratives or communication restrictions.
We therefore appeal to civil society organisations, elected representatives, human rights institutions, journalists and concerned citizens to maintain attention on the humanitarian and human rights dimensions of the situation. Any allegations of unlawful killings, excessive use of force, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention or other serious violations should be subject to prompt, impartial and transparent investigation, with accountability established through due process.
We also believe that the people of PoJK deserve access to fundamental freedoms, transparent governance, meaningful political participation, economic opportunities and essential public services. Human rights should remain a concern irrespective of political boundaries, and the suffering or rights of civilians should not be overlooked because of the unresolved political status of the region.
As members of civil society in Jammu and Kashmir, India, we express our solidarity with the people of PoJK on humanitarian grounds and urge our elected representatives and institutions to take note of their concerns and ensure that their voices receive appropriate attention in democratic and public forums.
This is not merely a political question; it is fundamentally a question of human dignity, civil liberties and the protection of civilian rights. The voices of ordinary people, particularly youth, women, families of those detained or missing, journalists and peaceful civic actors, deserve to be heard.
