Kashmir’s Human Rights Crisis Is Rooted in Decades of Denied Political Rights, JKHRO Tells British Parliamentarians
JKHRO has urged British parliamentarians to recognise that the human rights crisis in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir is inseparable from the denial of meaningful self-governance and the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Jammu Kashmir Human Rights Observatory (JKHRO) has called on British parliamentarians to recognise that the deepening human rights crisis in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir cannot be understood solely as a law-and-order issue. It is inseparable from the region’s unresolved political status, the denial of meaningful self-governance, and the Kashmiri people’s longstanding demand for self-determination.
Addressing British parliamentarians during an online parliamentary briefing on 27 October 2026, Yasir Shafaat, Director of JKHRO, lawyer and human rights defender, presented the organisation’s documented findings and highlighted the historical and political circumstances that have contributed to the present crisis.
Historical Roots of the Crisis
Shafaat explained that nearly eight decades after the division of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, its people remain without a permanent political settlement reflecting their freely expressed wishes.
The constitutional and administrative arrangements governing Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir continue to be described as interim, reflecting the unresolved nature of the wider Kashmir dispute. Successive generations have lived with uncertainty over political representation, control of resources, constitutional authority and their collective future.
The Indian Government’s removal of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status on 5 August 2019 further intensified political anxiety across the Line of Control. Among Kashmiris in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir, it heightened concerns that decisions about the region’s future might be made without their meaningful participation or consent.
These concerns contributed to an expanding public movement initially centred on the rising cost of flour and electricity, the use of locally generated resources, public services and the privileges enjoyed by those in power.
Over time, these economic grievances became connected to deeper questions of political identity, accountable governance, democratic representation and the right to self-determination. A 38-point Charter of Demands emerged through public consultations and assemblies, reflecting the movement’s wider political and social concerns.
“What began as a demand for affordable flour and electricity has developed into a broader struggle over political rights, identity and the freedom of Kashmiris to determine their own future,” Shafaat stated.
From Political Demands to a Human Rights Emergency
The situation deteriorated sharply following the proscription of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee under anti-terrorism legislation on 5 June 2026 and the subsequent confrontation between protesters and security authorities.
JKHRO’s Human Rights Situation Report No. 5 contains 90 named fatality records covering 5 June to 4 October 2026. The register remains subject to verification and does not constitute a judicial determination of responsibility. The movement has publicly claimed a higher death toll, which has not yet been fully reconciled with JKHRO’s documented records.
The organisation also highlighted serious concerns involving alleged unlawful killings, arrests, disputed detentions, missing persons, restrictions on communication, disruption of medical services and interference with children’s education.
Official records examined by JKHRO include the withdrawal of registration from 13 private schools. The organisation has also documented concerns about the use of anti-terrorism measures and Fourth Schedule restrictions against individuals associated with the movement.
British citizens and UK residents have reportedly been affected by security-related measures, including allegations of targeting linked to human rights work. JKHRO has called for the identities, legal status and circumstances of those concerned to be independently established.
Human Rights and Political Rights Cannot Be Separated
Shafaat emphasised that the present crisis demonstrates the direct relationship between the denial of political participation and the deterioration of fundamental human rights.
“When people are denied a meaningful voice in decisions about their land, resources and political future, economic grievances can develop into wider political unrest. When those demands are met primarily through coercive security measures rather than dialogue, the consequences are borne by ordinary civilians.”
He further stressed that protecting the right to life, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, access to justice and education must go hand in hand with protecting political identity, democratic participation and the right to self-determination.
JKHRO recognises the obligation of authorities to investigate violence against civilians and security personnel alike. However, allegations of armed activity must be investigated impartially and cannot justify collective punishment, indiscriminate restrictions or the suppression of peaceful political activity.
Call for British Parliamentary Action
JKHRO urged British parliamentarians and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to seek independent investigations into reported deaths and injuries, clarification of detention and missing-person cases, protection of British nationals, restoration of essential civilian services and safeguards for human rights defenders.
The organisation also called for independent international scrutiny and meaningful engagement with Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control.
Shafaat urged the United Kingdom to support peacebuilding initiatives and encourage India and Pakistan to improve human rights conditions in the territories under their respective administration, while creating space for an inclusive, peaceful political dialogue in which Kashmiris themselves are meaningful participants.
“The Kashmir question cannot be resolved by treating political demands as security threats. Lasting peace requires respect for human dignity, democratic rights and the collective right of Kashmiris to participate in deciding their future.”
JKHRO reiterated that the protection of civilians is an immediate obligation and must not be postponed while the wider political dispute remains unresolved.
“No family should have to bury another child before those with the power to act decide to listen.”