By Asian Marxist Review (AMR)
Progressive organisations and members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora in Spain have expressed solidarity with the people of Jammu Kashmir through recent protest actions and a petition campaign condemning the repression and calling for the protection of democratic rights.
At a recent gathering organised by the Association of Pakistani Workers of Catalonia, participants raised concerns over problems affecting the Pakistani community in Spain, including alleged corruption in visa appointment systems and shortcomings in consular services provided by the Pakistani government and BLS International. During the demonstration, participants also expressed solidarity with the people of Jammu Kashmir and demanded an end to the ongoing repression in the region.
Earlier, on 23 July, a coalition of organisations, including SOL – Socialismo y Libertad (Spain), L’Aurora, and other progressive groups, delivered a petition to the Government of Pakistan through the Pakistani Consulate in Barcelona.
The petition, titled “End State Repression in Jammu Kashmir – Release All Political Prisoners and Respect Democratic Rights,” called on the Pakistani authorities to end the repression, free all political detainees, and uphold the democratic rights of the people of Jammu Kashmir.
The initiatives form part of a growing international solidarity campaign in response to the escalating political crisis in Jammu Kashmir. In recent weeks, trade unions, student organisations, left-wing parties, and human rights groups from several countries have issued statements and organised actions condemning the reported use of force against peaceful protesters and calling for accountability.
The actions in Barcelona demonstrate the increasing involvement of both the Kashmiri & Pakistani diaspora and progressive organisations in Europe in raising international awareness of developments in Jammu Kashmir and advocating for democratic rights and political freedoms.
