Several members of the Kashmiri diaspora in the United Kingdom gathered for a protest outside the British Parliament in London before proceeding to 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister. They were denouncing reported food blockades and civilian killings in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) by Pakistani forces. Banners with messages like “Stop the killings” and “Human without human rights” were displayed during the demonstration.
The protestors urged the UK government to take action against the alleged human rights violations in PoK. One protestor highlighted that food supplies and medicines were being obstructed by Pakistani authorities, causing significant hardships for the residents in certain areas of PoK. He emphasized the urgent need for intervention to prevent deaths due to hunger and lack of medical access, appealing for the British government to engage with Pakistani authorities on the matter.
Additionally, concerns were raised about British nationals reportedly stranded in PoK, prompting calls for their safety to be ensured. The protestor urged the UK government to request the lifting of humanitarian blockades and curfews, the facilitation of food supplies to Kashmiri people, and the delivery of essential medicines to hospitals. The British government was implored to safeguard British nationals, uphold human rights, and respond promptly to the situation.
Conservative Party leader and MP, Bob Blackman, also condemned the actions of Pakistani authorities in PoK, labeling them as “despicable.” He highlighted the ongoing illegal occupation of part of the Kashmir Valley by Pakistan since 1947 and the recent crackdown on protestors demanding basic rights. Blackman expressed concerns over the reported casualties, injuries, arbitrary arrests, and use of live ammunition by Pakistani forces during the protests, including injuries to British nationals.
