Amnesty International called on Pakistani authorities to restore communications in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir and order an independent investigation after reports that state forces used lethal force against protesters during regional elections.
The rights group said reports from Rawalakot, where protests were held on the first day of polling on July 27, were difficult to verify while internet and mobile services remained suspended.
The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) said 19 people were killed and dozens injured after Pakistani forces fired at protesters. Amnesty said media outlets had reported casualties without giving a confirmed toll, while police said two of its personnel were injured.
“The disturbing reports emerging from Rawalakot are consistent with the Pakistani authorities’ long history of unlawful violence against protesters in Jammu and Kashmir,” Isabelle Lassee, Amnesty International’s Acting Regional Director for South Asia, said in a statement.
“A prompt, independent, and transparent investigation must be ordered into the security forces’ use of force against protesters,” she added.
She urged authorities to restore communications access and allow media and independent observers into the area.
Amnesty said tensions around the election had been heightened by the ban on the JAAC, which was designated a proscribed organisation under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Terrorism Act on June 5.
The group said Pakistani authorities should lift the ban and stop using anti-terror laws to silence or detain JAAC members and supporters.
“The ban cannot be used as an excuse to mete out deadly violence against protesters,” Lassee said.