Sheffield Kashmiris protest over killings amid crackdown on demonstrators in country
Worried members of Sheffield’s Kashmiri community have held an emergency protest as police in the country have violently cracked down on mass demonstrations.
The protest was called outside the City Hall in response to the escalating situation in Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, ahead of regional elections. At least 31 people have been killed.
Co-organiser Rafia Hussain is Sheffield branch secretary of the NEU education union and a committee member for Sheffield Stand Up To Racism.
Both organisations supported the event, as well as the Stop the War Coalition, Sheffield Pakistan Muslim Centre and Sisters 4 Kashmir.
Ms Hussain said: “For many years, people in Azad Kashmir have faced increasing economic hardship.
“Rising fuel and food prices, together with the growing cost of living, have placed immense pressure on communities, making everyday life increasingly unaffordable.
Concerns
“Citizens have been calling for these basic needs and concerns to be addressed.
“Since June 8, communication has been severely disrupted, with restrictions placed on telephone and internet services.
“Movement into and out of Azad Kashmir has also been heavily restricted, resulting in heightened tensions and prompting many people to take to the streets in peaceful protest.
“Tragically, several people have lost their lives and many more have been arrested. These events have had a significant impact on the daily lives of people across the region.”
The Sheffield protest took place ahead of a ‘long march’ planned from the town of Rawalakot to the capital Muzaffarabad on Wednesday.
The UN has condemned the Pakistani government for outlawing an umbrella organisation JAAC under domestic terrorism laws.