The abduction of Khwaja Khursheed Ahmed, a prominent figure from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), has ignited widespread protests across the region. Local activists and student leaders organized sit-ins and demonstrations in various districts of PoJK on Wednesday, demanding Ahmed’s unconditional release along with other detained political activists.
Protesters warned that if their demands were not met, they would initiate a long march from Kotli to Muzaffarabad. During one sit-in, student leader Khawaja Mujtaba Banday expressed his concerns, stating, “We have been highlighting the issue of enforced disappearances for a long time. Our activists advocating for people’s rights are being abducted. They talk big about freedom, but the reality is different. It seems our struggle for rights is never-ending. Every time we speak up, our activists are abducted by unknown men. We condemn the authorities who use covert means to suppress dissent.”
Banday stressed the importance of due process, saying, “If anyone is accused of wrongdoing, the courts and constitution of PoJK are here to ensure justice. No constitution allows for the abduction and torture of individuals.” He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all imprisoned activists from PoJK, including Ahmed, and criticized the administration’s treatment of locals.
Local leader Khan Ilyas echoed these sentiments, stating, “We have endured this for too long. During recent protests, some elements accused members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of instigating violence and causing destruction. They targeted JAAC members who have been actively involved in the struggle for Muzaffarabad.”
Ilyas voiced concerns over the false allegations and targeting of activists by local authorities, calling for clarifications regarding recent arrests and abductions. He asserted that peaceful protest is a fundamental right of every citizen.
The protests reflect growing unrest in PoJK over human rights violations and the suppression of dissent by authorities.