UK Parliamentary Group Raises Alarm Over Blackout, Crackdown And Rising Tensions In PoK

A British parliamentary group has raised concern over reports of communication blackouts , arrests and escalating tensions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), urging the UK government to assess the situation and engage diplomatically to prevent further deterioration.

In a letter to the UK Foreign Office, Bradford East MP Imran Hussain, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir , along with more than 30 MPs, cited reports of a widespread communications shutdown , including internet and mobile disruptions, movement restrictions and a broader security crackdown. The MPs said these measures were preventing families, including British Kashmiris, from contacting relatives in the region.

The intervention comes amid tensions following the ban on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) , a civil society group leading protests over governance and economic grievances. Reports say the ban was imposed under security laws ahead of planned territory-wide protests, including a “wheel-jam” strike.

Authorities have reportedly detained dozens of JAAC supporters, while security has been tightened across multiple districts amid fears of mass demonstrations and renewed clashes. The situation follows earlier unrest that resulted in casualties during violent confrontations last year.

The JAAC has been campaigning on a 38-point charter of demands , including subsidies on essential goods, electricity tariff reductions and reforms in reserved legislative seats for Kashmiri refugees. Talks between the group and authorities have reportedly stalled over unresolved governance and representation issues.

The parliamentary group warned that communication restrictions and civil liberty curbs risk deepening uncertainty and eroding public trust in an already fragile environment. It said the breakdown in dialogue has further intensified tensions on the ground.

Calling for restraint, peaceful dialogue and meaningful engagement , the MPs stressed that freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and access to communication are essential for stability. They urged all sides to avoid escalation.

The letter also sought clarification from the UK government on its assessment of the situation and steps to support British nationals amid growing concern within diaspora communities.

India maintains that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the country based on the 1947 accession , reiterating its longstanding position on the dispute.