rki.news | Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), July 7: The District Bar Association (DBA) Mirpur has strongly condemned the alleged police crackdown against the legal fraternity in parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), demanding the immediate and unconditional release of detained lawyers and other individuals.
The demand was made during an emergency DBA meeting chaired by acting President Advocate Shaukat Ali Mughal. A large number of lawyers attended to discuss the prevailing situation in AJK.
The participants unanimously adopted resolutions condemning what they described as excessive use of force by police against peaceful protest rallies in Islamgarh, Dadyal and Mirpur.
Following the meeting, lawyers staged a protest march from the District Courts premises, passing through Chowk Shaheedan and Mian Muhammad Road before concluding at the DBA offices complex.
Addressing the gathering, bar leaders said the legal community could not remain silent over the situation. They expressed concern over the suspension of internet services, disruption of banking operations and difficulties in the supply of essential food items, saying these issues had affected public life.
The speakers urged the AJK government and relevant authorities to take immediate measures, address public grievances and protect citizens’ constitutional rights.
The DBA resolutions also demanded release of detained lawyers and others described as innocent, along with an impartial inquiry into the alleged use of force against peaceful protesters. The lawyers called for justice, rule of law and protection of fundamental rights across the region.