By Asian Marxist Review (AMR)
The Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JKNSF) has strongly condemned the ongoing state crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee’s (JAAC) peaceful long march towards Muzaffarabad, describing it as a brutal assault on the democratic rights of the people of Jammu Kashmir.
According to reports cited by the organisation, security forces opened fire and used tear gas against demonstrators in Rawalakot, killing at least sixteen (according to the updated reports, twenty-two) people and injuring hundreds. With security operations reportedly continuing in several areas, there are growing fears that the death toll may rise further.
The demonstrations are part of a broader wave of popular mobilisation involving workers, students, farmers, and youth demanding justice and the defence of democratic rights. JKNSF argues that the state’s response has been characterised by escalating repression, including the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on fundamental democratic freedoms.
In its statement, the JKNSF appealed to student organisations, trade unions, socialist organisations, democratic movements, and human rights organisations across Pakistan, the wider region, and internationally to express solidarity with the people of Jammu Kashmir and to condemn the ongoing repression.
JKNSF has called for an immediate end to the use of force against peaceful demonstrators, the release of all political detainees, unrestricted access to food and medical care, and an independent investigation into the reported violence.
The organisation further argued that the struggle in Jammu Kashmir cannot be viewed in isolation but forms part of the wider struggle of working people against oppression, exploitation, state repression, and imperialist ambitions. It emphasized that international solidarity remains essential in defending democratic rights and supporting popular movements facing state violence.
Asian Marxist Review will continue to monitor developments and publish updates as more verified information becomes available.
