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.
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“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.
