Thursday, March 5, 2026
22.7 C
Srinagar

Student Leader Abducted and Tortured in Rawalakot: Grave Concerns Over Human Rights in Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Rawalakot, May 24, 2025 — In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage across the political and civil society spectrum in Pakistan-administered Jammu & Kashmir, Javed Chauhan, General Secretary of the Jammu Kashmir Students Liberation Front (JKSLF) at University of Poonch, was allegedly abducted from his hostel late last night by unidentified men believed to be affiliated with intelligence agencies.

According to multiple student activists and witnesses, Chauhan was forcibly taken without a warrant or legal procedure. After hours of search and confusion, sources revealed he was being held at Rawalakot Municipal Checkpost. However, upon reaching the post, it was discovered that he had reportedly been shifted to CMH Rawalakot (Combined Military Hospital) in critical condition.

Fellow students and civil society members rushed to the hospital, but hospital staff refused to confirm his whereabouts or provide information on who brought him there or why. Eyewitnesses and sources claim that Chauhan was subjected to severe physical torture, including electric shocks, and was later found unconscious near the “15 Office” area before being transported to CMH.

Editor's Note

Support Fearless Journalism

No state backing. No paywalls. Just truth. Support Kashmir's independent voice. Join 2,400+ patrons who fund independent voices.

Zero Paywalls
Reader Funded
Award Winning
Become a Patron From $5/month • Cancel anytime
Secure Payment
Encrypted

“This is not FATA or Balochistan — this is Rawalakot. We will not tolerate such brutality in the name of state power,” said a spokesperson of the JKSLF. “His only crime is being a politically aware student. This was a targeted attempt to silence dissent.”

Chauhan was reportedly scheduled to sit for an important university examination today at 11 AM. The incident has sparked student protests and widespread condemnation. Various organizations and rights groups, including the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP), have expressed grave concern over what they call “state terrorism” and “the unlawful targeting of politically active youth.”

In a strongly-worded statement, UKPNP said:

“We strongly condemn this inhuman act. Abducting a student political leader without any judicial warrant is a gross violation of the rule of law and human rights. These actions are clearly meant to intimidate young political activists from engaging in democratic processes. The international community must take note. If justice is not delivered, protests will be held worldwide.”

Political observers note that the abduction occurred just weeks after rising student activism in the region, particularly related to the growing frustration over governance, civil liberties, and freedom of expression in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK).

Human rights activists are now demanding:

  • A full and independent investigation into the abduction and torture of Javed Chauhan.
  • Immediate medical care and public accountability from CMH Rawalakot for refusing transparency.
  • Legal action against those responsible, with assurance of protection for politically active youth in AJK.

The incident raises serious questions about the shrinking space for free expression and dissent in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. As protests grow and pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the regional government and judiciary to uphold justice and democratic values.

Hot this week

Authorities Register FIRs Against Prominent Figures; Public Advised to Verify Information from Official Sources

Srinagar, Pakistan-administered Kashmir – In a significant move to...

Kashmir Authorities Impose Strict Curbs Amid Protests Over Iranian Supreme Leader’s Death

Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – Following the assassination of Iranian...

Kashmir Weather Forecast: Daytime Temperatures Set to Rise, Mountain Areas May See Light Snow

Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – The Meteorological Department has issued...

Curfew Continues in Skardu Amid Deadly Protests

Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan administered Kahsmir) – Authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan...

Indian Opposition Condemns Khamenei Killing as Modi Government Remains Silent

New Delhi, India – The Indian National Congress, the...

Top Stories

Kashmir Authorities Impose Strict Curbs Amid Protests Over Iranian Supreme Leader’s Death

Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – Following the assassination of Iranian...

Kashmir Weather Forecast: Daytime Temperatures Set to Rise, Mountain Areas May See Light Snow

Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – The Meteorological Department has issued...

Curfew Continues in Skardu Amid Deadly Protests

Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan administered Kahsmir) – Authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan...

Indian Opposition Condemns Khamenei Killing as Modi Government Remains Silent

New Delhi, India – The Indian National Congress, the...

PTI Condemns Assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei

Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has expressed profound...

JKJAAC Leaders Express Solidarity with Iran Amid Rising US-Israel Aggression

Rawalakot, Pakistan-administered Kashmir – Leaders from Pakistan-administered Kashmir have...

Pro-Iran Protests Turn Deadly in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Several Killed

Gilgit, pakistan administered Kashmir: At least seven people have...
spot_img

Related Stories