A Pakistani soldier stands guard at the Line of Control. PHOTO: FILE
Ali Murtaza’s family says he died while he was in custody of the army’s secret service near the border in Kotli sector earlier this month.
The killing generated uproar and calls for a “fair inquiry” from both the media and civilians.
Murtaza’s family members told BBC that he went missing on February 17 when he left his home to visit relatives in a village near the Line of Control (LoC).
His body was later delivered to the family by the local administration of Kotli, according to the family.
Member of the legislative council of Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Mehboob told BBC, “He died in the custody of the army, and he was tortured.”
Several political parties have staged protests over the killing and have called for a transparent inquiry into the matter.
This incident comes while tensions run high between Pakistan and India along the LoC. Five soldiers from both sides have been killed in attacks in recent weeks.
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Whatever happens wherever in your own country , you blame India ? How is it fair ? The incident occured in AHK . Its an Independent Kashmir . How are Indians to be blamed kind sire ?
many times indian spies have been arrested in ajk particularly in border regions this could be all a big misunderstanding
@PakPower: occupied by whome kashmiries yeah right you dont have any idea about ajk it is the most high literate and educated region in Pakistan
@Pradeep: in azad kashmir only on border regions other districts are the policed districts in pakistan with least crime rate
Human right violations goes on in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(POK) but it wont get first page headlines in Pakistani media
In Gilgit Baltistan(GB), Pakistan 's only Shia dominated province ethnic cleansing is being carried out systematically, away from media glare and international attention. Hundreds of Shia Muslims staged a protest in front of the Lahore Press Club last year on April 10th urging the media to pressurize the Pakistani government to stop the atrocities on its community in Gilgit Baltistan.( its funny when Pakistan has Kashmir solidarity day every year).
Last year, On April 9th a rally was held in Kargil against targeted killings in GB and local leaders appealed to the Indian government to take up the issue with the international community. Gilgit Baltistan formerly known, as Northern Areas was once part of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir now part of POK.
At the 13th session of the UN Human Rights Council Abdul Hamid Khan of the Balwaristan National Front said, " Human rights abuses are widespread and common in Gilgit Baltistan for many decades but the absence of local media and independent judiciary have helped Islamabad to hide its illicit practices..."
@Paras Vikmani At least there isn't a rebellion going on in PoK.
@Shaami: "Pakistan Army Chief is Kayani and Kayanis have Kashmiri and Potohari roots and secondly most of the Pakistani Army belong from Potohar and AJK regions and speak the same language Potohari and these people themselves cannot do anything against their own people.. "
I thought Azad Kashmir was Azad - not a part of Pakistan. HAd its own Prime Minister and everything? So how come Pakistan army is their own army?
The military refused to hand over the body to his family until they agree not to announce that he was tortured in military custody but died due to Indian firing at the border with Pakistan. http://www.humanrights.asia/news/urgent-appeals/AHRC-UAC-026-2013
Yawn yawn yawn. No doubt its another Indian orchestrated drama.
Lol at all the Indians mocking the pakistani army. These incidents are rare and straight away they are being probed, how many cases of Kashmiris being tortured by the Indian army go unnoticed by your public and media. Oh and don't forget the unmarked graves, you don't even hand the body back to the deceased persons family.
@Paras Vikmani: Pakistan Army Chief is Kayani and Kayanis have Kashmiri and Potohari roots and secondly most of the Pakistani Army belong from Potohar and AJK regions and speak the same language Potohari and these people themselves cannot do anything against their own people..
@Azad Kashmiri: Dear u r happy with PAKISTAN. N PAKISTAN is suffering bcas of u.
God bless PAK.
Pakistan army don't give a damn about Kashmiri people in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The sooner PoK people realise the the better it will be for them. Remember you were Indians until Pakistan army invaded Kashmir.
Look at all the indians jumping on this. I am from Azad Kashmir and we love Pakistan army. These type of cases are rare and I'm glad the army has started a probe.
@Paras Vikmani: We are happy with Pakistan. Since we don't suffer here like our brothers in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
So where are Pakistanis now? Aren't Azad Kashmiris also Kashmiris? Or is it just Indian Kashmiris 'that suffer'?
No comments yet from 'saviours of kashmiris'? Ouch!
Why would Army want to torture an innocent person. Whats in it for Army? This looks like a conspiracy to mock Pak Army.
I feel sorry for the family of victim and I pray that Allah the merciful gives them peace and courage to face the circumstances.
Peace out!
So much for kashmir cause http://www.humanrights.asia/news/urgent-appeals/AHRC-UAC-026-2013
Wait which army is this? Pakistan Army??!?! How can mard-eemomin do such a thing? Muslims don't kill muslims
How is India related to pak army killing a Kashmiri youth in POK
What??!! Is the Pakistani army in present in Azad Kashmir? That's news to me. I thought it was only the evil Indian Army that was present in Jammu and Kashmir did this kind of stuff.