Drone Attacks, Shelling in Rawalakot: UKPNP Demands Global Probe into Civilian Killings
UKPNP calls for an international probe into alleged drone attacks and shelling by Pakistani forces in Rawalakot, PoJK, resulting in civilian deaths.
The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) has issued a scathing condemnation following reports of civilian killings, mortar shelling, and alleged drone attacks in Rawalakot, located in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The party is now urgently calling for an independent international investigation to uncover the truth behind these violent incidents.
Reports of Lethal Force in Civilian Areas
In a detailed post on X, UKPNP leader Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan alleged that Pakistani security forces deployed drones, mortar shells, and heavy weaponry within densely populated civilian areas. According to the reports cited by Khan, the violence has led to multiple fatalities and numerous injuries.
Specific incidents highlighted include:
- Mutialmara: Reports suggest a man and a woman were killed near the Bus Terminal.
- Umar Farooq Chowk: This area allegedly came under attack involving mortar shelling, drones, and heavy machine gun fire.
- Explosive Drops: There are claims that drones were specifically used to drop explosive devices on civilians.
The tragedy further deepened with the reported deaths of two more individuals, including a 10-year-old girl, while several others are said to be fighting for their lives with critical injuries.
Mass Funerals and Public Outcry
The scale of the unrest became evident on November 6, when thousands of Kashmiris converged at the Eid Gah, Dreak Ground in Rawalakot. The gathering was for the funeral prayers of three individuals who were reportedly killed on November 5 during the alleged drone attacks and mortar shelling.
The UKPNP has described the use of lethal force against peaceful demonstrators and civilians as a grave concern, suggesting that such actions may violate international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The party warned that indiscriminate attacks on non-combatants could potentially constitute war crimes.
A Seven-Point Demand for Justice
Seeking immediate intervention, the UKPNP has appealed to the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, Switzerland, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch. The party has outlined seven critical demands:
- An immediate end to the alleged drone attacks, mortar shelling, and the use of heavy weapons.
- Guarantees for the safety of civilians, including women, children, journalists, human rights defenders, and peaceful protesters.
- The deployment of an independent UN fact-finding mission to investigate the killings and human rights violations.
- Unrestricted access for medical and humanitarian aid to reach affected communities.
- Strict accountability for those responsible for unlawful killings.
- The restoration of fundamental freedoms, such as political participation, peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression.
- The removal of unlawful communication restrictions and granting access to international human rights organizations and UN representatives to monitor the region.
"Kashmiri civilians must not be treated as expendable and that peaceful political expression should never be met with unlawful lethal force," asserted Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan, urging the global community to break its silence.