United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for calm and an independent investigation into deadly unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where at least 31 people have been killed in clashes since June ahead of legislative elections on July 27.
The violence reached a deadly peak on July 14 in the Poonch division, leaving nine dead. Türk's office demanded prompt, thorough and impartial inquiries into all deaths among both protesters and security personnel. The UN also expressed alarm over internet blackouts and the use of anti-terrorism laws to criminalise peaceful assembly.
Protests have been led by the Joint Awami Action Committee, which has been banned as a terrorist organisation under domestic law. The group has suspended its long march until July 21 to give the government a final opportunity to address its demands.