JAMMU, Oct 2: The Jammu-based Research and Advocacy Group (RAAG) has urged the Government of India to summon the Chargé d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and lodge a diplomatic protest over what it described as reports of killings, injuries, arrests, restrictions and humanitarian difficulties faced by people in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
In a memorandum addressed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, RAAG sought a formal diplomatic démarche, including a written communication to Pakistan, to convey India's concerns regarding the reported situation.
The memorandum, submitted by Advocate Madhavi Sambyal, also referred to appeals from people in PoJK for protection of their lives, liberty, dignity and basic rights, according to the group's statement.
RAAG further referred to India's longstanding position on Jammu and Kashmir and cited the February 22, 1994 Parliamentary Resolution, as well as Section 14(4) of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which provides for 24 Assembly seats to remain vacant until the area under Pakistan's occupation ceases to be so occupied and its residents elect representatives.
The organisation also questioned the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly's lack of discussion on the situation in PoJK. RAAG said the Assembly has discussed international issues involving places including Palestine and Gaza, Iran, Israel and the United States, but, in its view, has not given comparable attention to the reported situation across the Line of Control.
RAAG has appealed to the Speaker and members of the J&K Assembly to take up the matter for substantive discussion and address concerns relating to people living across the Line of Control.
The memorandum has also been forwarded to senior officials in the Ministry of External Affairs, including the Foreign Secretary and officials handling the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division, the statement said.
