United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Friday called for calm in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and urged all parties to engage in meaningful and inclusive political dialogue to address the underlying causes of the ongoing unrest ahead of the region’s legislative assembly elections later this month.
His appeal came as tensions remained high after the AJK government banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) under anti-terrorism laws. The group, which has been leading the protests, has continued its sit-in and vowed to maintain demonstrations until its “legitimate demands” are met.
Several protesters and law enforcement personnel have been killed in clashes since June, ahead of the Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for July 27.
Türk also called for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all deaths linked to the unrest, including those of protesters and security personnel.