PoK residents demand justice for Naeem Butt

People in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continue to hold protests to demand justice for Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) activist Naeem Butt who was killed in police firing on March 16, 2018.

The protesters have been demanding an impartial judicial probe into firing on a peaceful protest that took place at Madarpur near the Line of Control (LoC) and to take action against the policemen who killed Butt.

A massive rally was organised on April 14 at Rawalakot in this regard.

The protesters, who were carrying banners with pictures of Naeem Butt, called for the withdrawal of false cases filed against political organisations, including the Jammu Kashmir National Awami Party (JKNAP) and to suspend district management officers.

"We will not sit in peace until we punish Naeem (Butt) Shaheed's killers", said a political activist from PoK.

It may be recalled that on March 16 thousands of people had joined a march against the Pakistan Army on the call of the JKLF to express solidarity with people suffering from cross-LoC shelling. Kashmir Valley residents also raised their voices against ongoing police brutalities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), Muhammad Yasin Malik, issued a statement to the media, which said, "Instead of using foul language against freedom lovers, the Government of Azad Kashmir should call for an impartial judicial probe into the firing on a peaceful protest at Madarpor near the cease-fire line (LOC) and take action against the culprits who killed Naeem Butt with impunity."

Kashmiri activists have launched a #JusticeForNaeemButt campaign and have announced plans for organising more protests to highlight the brutality of the Pakistan Army and the PoK Police.