Asian Marxist Review

07/30/2026

Pakistan: Awami Workers Party (Marxist) Condemns Crackdown on Jammu Kashmir Protest Movement

The Awami Workers Party (Marxist) (AWP-M) has strongly condemned the violent crackdown on unarmed protesters in Rawalakot, describing the use of force against demonstrators associated with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) as a grave assault on democratic rights.

In a statement, the party said the JAAC had been organising peaceful protests for nearly two months around a charter of public demands before security forces launched a deadly operation against demonstrators. AWP-M also condemned what it described as a complete media blackout surrounding the crackdown, arguing that the restrictions had prevented wider public scrutiny of the events.

Referring to reports of dozens of civilian deaths in recent weeks, the party described the events of 27 July as a significant escalation in state repression. It argued that the JAAC represents the aspirations of a broad section of the population in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and criticised the authorities’ decision to criminalise the movement instead of engaging with its demands.

The party further linked the situation in Jammu Kashmir to what it described as broader patterns of political repression and national oppression across Pakistan, drawing comparisons with developments in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Gilgit-Baltistan. It also criticised the holding of legislative elections in parts of AJK during the unrest, arguing that the exercise lacked democratic credibility under the prevailing conditions.

AWP-M called for justice for those who lost their lives during the crackdown and demanded that those responsible for ordering and carrying out the reported use of force be held accountable. The party also urged the authorities to accept the demands put forward by the Joint Awami Action Committee and resolve the crisis through political dialogue rather than repression.

The statement adds to a growing number of responses from political parties, trade unions, student organisations, and human rights groups in Pakistan and internationally condemning the reported violence in Jammu Kashmir and calling for accountab

07/30/2026

Pakistan: Quaid-i-Azam University Students Hold Vigil in Solidarity with Jammu Kashmir Protest Movement

Hundreds of students at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) in Islamabad participated in a peace walk, candlelight vigil, and protest in solidarity with the ongoing mass movement in Pakistan-administered Jammu Kashmir, condemning the reported state violence against protesters and paying tribute to students killed in recent incidents.

The demonstration was organised at the call of the Qaideen Student Federation (QSF). Participants condemned the ongoing state crackdown in Jammu Kashmir and honoured Usama Jameel, a QAU PhD scholar who was reportedly killed during the protest movement, as well as Salman Khan, an MPhil student who lost his life in the recent explosion in Bannu.

Students gathered to express solidarity with the people of Jammu Kashmir and to denounce what organisers described as escalating state repression against the popular movement. The event combined a peace walk, a candlelight vigil, and a protest, with participants calling for justice for those who have lost their lives and reaffirming support for the democratic aspirations of the people of the region.

According to the organisers, the large turnout reflected Quaid-i-Azam University’s long-standing tradition of student activism and its role in raising its voice against injustice. They argued that the mobilisation demonstrated the continuing willingness of students and young people in Pakistan to oppose repression and stand in solidarity with oppressed communities.

The demonstration adds to a growing wave of solidarity actions by student organisations across Pakistan and internationally in response to the ongoing political crisis in Jammu Kashmir. In recent weeks, student groups, trade unions, political organisations, and human rights bodies have issued statements and organised protests calling for accountability, the protection of democratic rights, and an end to the reported use of force against peaceful demonstrators.

07/30/2026

Bangladesh: Youth Union Condemns Deadly Crackdown on Jammu Kashmir Protest Movement

The Bangladesh Youth Union Bangladesh Youth Union (BYU) has strongly condemned the reported killings, arbitrary arrests, and escalating state repression against the people of Jammu Kashmir following the violent crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee’s (JAAC) peaceful long march.

The statement adds to a growing wave of international solidarity from labour, student, and progressive organisations calling for the protection of democratic rights and accountability for the reported violence in Jammu Kashmir.

In a statement issued from Dhaka on 28 July, the youth organisation expressed grave concern over reports that security forces opened fire and used tear gas against protesters in Rawalakot on 27 and 28 July. According to BYU, the violence resulted in significant loss of life and left hundreds of people injured. The organisation condemned the use of lethal force against peaceful demonstrators and described the crackdown as an attempt to suppress legitimate democratic demands.

BYU also raised alarm over reports of an internet and communications blackout, arguing that such restrictions isolate the population, obstruct the free flow of information, and hinder independent reporting on developments in the region. The organisation further expressed concern over reports of arbitrary arrests and disruptions to access to food, medicine, and medical treatment.

Calling for immediate action, BYU demanded an end to the violence against peaceful protesters, the unconditional release of Shaukat Nawaz Mir and all other political detainees arrested in connection with the movement, and the immediate restoration of internet and communication services. It also called for unrestricted access to food, medicine, and healthcare, as well as an independent, transparent, and impartial investigation into the reported killings, injuries, arrests, and allegations of excessive use of force.

The Bangladeshi youth organisation reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Jammu Kashmir, particularly the workers, students, farmers, youth, and democratic forces participating in the ongoing movement. It also paid

07/30/2026

Pakistan: Awami Workers Party (Marxist) Condemns Crackdown on Jammu Kashmir Protest Movement

The Awami Workers Party (Marxist) (AWP-M) has strongly condemned the violent crackdown on unarmed protesters in Rawalakot, describing the use of force against demonstrators associated with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) as a grave assault on democratic rights.

In a statement, the party said the JAAC had been organising peaceful protests for nearly two months around a charter of public demands before security forces launched a deadly operation against demonstrators. AWP-M also condemned what it described as a complete media blackout surrounding the crackdown, arguing that the restrictions had prevented wider public scrutiny of the events.

Referring to reports of dozens of civilian deaths in recent weeks, the party described the events of 27 July as a significant escalation in state repression. It argued that the JAAC represents the aspirations of a broad section of the population in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and criticised the authorities’ decision to criminalise the movement instead of engaging with its demands.

The party further linked the situation in Jammu Kashmir to what it described as broader patterns of political repression and national oppression across Pakistan, drawing comparisons with developments in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Gilgit-Baltistan. It also criticised the holding of legislative elections in parts of AJK during the unrest, arguing that the exercise lacked democratic credibility under the prevailing conditions.

AWP-M called for justice for those who lost their lives during the crackdown and demanded that those responsible for ordering and carrying out the reported use of force be held accountable. The party also urged the authorities to accept the demands put forward by the Joint Awami Action Committee and resolve the crisis through political dialogue rather than repression.

The statement adds to a growing number of responses from political parties, trade unions, student organisations, and human rights groups in Pakistan and internationally condemning the reported violence in Jammu Kashmir and calling for accountability, democratic freedoms, and respect for the rights of peaceful protesters.

The AWP-M has strongly condemned the use of force against demonstrators associated with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

07/30/2026

Pakistan: Quaid-i-Azam University Students Hold Vigil in Solidarity with Jammu Kashmir Protest Movement

Hundreds of students at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) in Islamabad participated in a peace walk, candlelight vigil, and protest in solidarity with the ongoing mass movement in Pakistan-administered Jammu Kashmir, condemning the reported state violence against protesters and paying tribute to students killed in recent incidents.

The demonstration was organised at the call of the Qaideen Student Federation (QSF). Participants condemned the ongoing state crackdown in Jammu Kashmir and honoured Usama Jameel, a QAU PhD scholar who was reportedly killed during the protest movement, as well as Salman Khan, an MPhil student who lost his life in the recent explosion in Bannu.

Students gathered to express solidarity with the people of Jammu Kashmir and to denounce what organisers described as escalating state repression against the popular movement. The event combined a peace walk, a candlelight vigil, and a protest, with participants calling for justice for those who have lost their lives and reaffirming support for the democratic aspirations of the people of the region.

According to the organisers, the large turnout reflected Quaid-i-Azam University’s long-standing tradition of student activism and its role in raising its voice against injustice. They argued that the mobilisation demonstrated the continuing willingness of students and young people in Pakistan to oppose repression and stand in solidarity with oppressed communities.

The demonstration adds to a growing wave of solidarity actions by student organisations across Pakistan and internationally in response to the ongoing political crisis in Jammu Kashmir. In recent weeks, student groups, trade unions, political organisations, and human rights bodies have issued statements and organised protests calling for accountability, the protection of democratic rights, and an end to the reported use of force against peaceful demonstrators.

The demonstration was organised at the call of the Qaideen Student Federation (QSF).

07/30/2026

Bangladesh: Youth Union Condemns Deadly Crackdown on Jammu Kashmir Protest Movement

The Bangladesh Youth Union (BYU) has strongly condemned the reported killings, arbitrary arrests, and escalating state repression against the people of Jammu Kashmir following the violent crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee’s (JAAC) peaceful long march.

In a statement issued from Dhaka on 28 July, the youth organisation expressed grave concern over reports that security forces opened fire and used tear gas against protesters in Rawalakot on 27 and 28 July. According to BYU, the violence resulted in significant loss of life and left hundreds of people injured. The organisation condemned the use of lethal force against peaceful demonstrators and described the crackdown as an attempt to suppress legitimate democratic demands.

BYU also raised alarm over reports of an internet and communications blackout, arguing that such restrictions isolate the population, obstruct the free flow of information, and hinder independent reporting on developments in the region. The organisation further expressed concern over reports of arbitrary arrests and disruptions to access to food, medicine, and medical treatment.

Calling for immediate action, BYU demanded an end to the violence against peaceful protesters, the unconditional release of Shaukat Nawaz Mir and all other political detainees arrested in connection with the movement, and the immediate restoration of internet and communication services. It also called for unrestricted access to food, medicine, and healthcare, as well as an independent, transparent, and impartial investigation into the reported killings, injuries, arrests, and allegations of excessive use of force.

The Bangladeshi youth organisation reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Jammu Kashmir, particularly the workers, students, farmers, youth, and democratic forces participating in the ongoing movement. It also paid tribute to the role of the Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JKNSF) in organising and sustaining the struggle.

Concluding its statement, BYU appealed to left-wing and socialist parties, trade unions, student and youth organisations, progressive movements, and human rights organisations around the world to stand in solidarity with the people of Jammu Kashmir and speak out against the reported repression.

The statement adds to a growing wave of international solidarity from labour, student, and progressive organisations calling for the protection of democratic rights and accountability for the reported violence in Jammu Kashmir.

BYUhas strongly condemned the reported killings, arbitrary arrests, and escalating state repression against the people of Jammu Kashmir following the violent crackdown on the JAAC peaceful long march.

07/29/2026

Spain: Protest and Petition Demand Release of Political Prisoners in Jammu Kashmir

Progressive organisations and members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora in Spain have expressed solidarity with the people of Jammu Kashmir through recent protest actions and a petition campaign condemning the repression and calling for the protection of democratic rights.

on 23 July, a coalition of organisations, including SOL – Socialismo y Libertad (Spain), L’Aurora, and other progressive groups, delivered a petition to the Government of Pakistan through the Pakistani Consulate in Barcelona.

The petition, titled “End State Repression in Jammu Kashmir – Release All Political Prisoners and Respect Democratic Rights,” called on the Pakistani authorities to end the repression, free all political detainees, and uphold the democratic rights of the people of Jammu Kashmir.

At a recent gathering organised by the Association of Pakistani Workers of Catalonia, participants raised concerns over problems affecting the Pakistani community in Spain, including alleged corruption in visa appointment systems and shortcomings in consular services provided by the Pakistani government and BLS International. During the demonstration, participants also expressed solidarity with the people of Jammu Kashmir and demanded an end to the ongoing repression in the region.

07/29/2026

Brazil: International Solidarity Campaign in Support of Jammu Kashmir

A solidarity campaign “STOP THE REPRESSION” in support of the people of Jammu Kashmir has been launched by activists of REVOLUÇÃO SOCIALISTA in Brazil, condemning the ongoing repression against the popular movement in the region and expressing support for those resisting state violence.

In a statement issued in Portuguese, the campaign denounced what it described as the persecution and killing of people participating in the movement in Jammu Kashmir. It called for an end to the repression and declared its solidarity with those struggling for democratic rights.

The statement forms part of a growing wave of international support for the movement in Jammu Kashmir. In recent days, trade unions, student organisations, socialist parties, and progressive movements across Europe and South Asia have issued similar appeals condemning the reported use of force against peaceful protesters and calling for accountability.

The Brazilian campaign emphasised that the struggle in Jammu Kashmir deserves international attention and solidarity, highlighting the importance of coordinated action by progressive organisations in defence of democratic rights and against state repression.

The expression of solidarity from Brazil adds to the expanding international campaign supporting the people of Jammu Kashmir, reflecting growing concern among labour, socialist, and democratic organisations over the ongoing political crisis in the region.

07/29/2026

Italy: International Kashmir Petition Presented to Pakistani Consulate

A delegation of the Partito Comunista dei Lavoratori Partito Comunista dei Lavoratori (PCL) has delivered an international petition on the situation in Jammu Kashmir to the Pakistani Consulate in Milan, calling attention to growing international concern over recent developments in the region.

Among the first signatories to the petition are Ilaria Salis, Member of the European Parliament; Nicola Fratoianni, Member of the Italian Parliament and National Secretary of Sinistra Italiana (Italian Left Party); Maurizio Acerbo, National Secretary of the Communist Refoundation Party; and Barbara Tibaldi, a member of the National Secretariat of FIOM, the metalworkers’ federation of CGIL, Italy’s largest trade union confederation.

The petition has also been endorsed by several national leaders of trade unions, associations, and movement organisations, reflecting support from sections of Italy’s labour and progressive movements.

The initiative forms part of a broader international solidarity campaign over the situation in Jammu Kashmir. In recent days, trade unions, student organisations, socialist parties, and human rights groups from several countries have issued statements expressing concern over reports of state repression and calling for the protection of democratic rights.

The presentation of the petition highlights the growing international support for the democratic movement in Jammu Kashmir and the continued efforts of labour and progressive organisations to mobilise solidarity across borders.

07/29/2026

Pakistan: HRCP Raises Alarm Over Deadly Clashes During AJK Elections

The HRCP , Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep concern over reports of multiple deaths and injuries following clashes between law enforcement personnel and protesters in Rawalakot during the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative elections.

In a statement, HRCP said it was “deeply alarmed” by reports that several people had lost their lives and many others had been injured during the violence. The organisation described the reported deaths as a stark reminder of the human cost of the tensions that have escalated in Jammu Kashmir in recent weeks.

While acknowledging the responsibility of the authorities to maintain public order, HRCP stressed that this duty must not come at the expense of the right to life or the fundamental freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression. The organisation warned that the protection of democratic rights must remain paramount, particularly during an election period.

HRCP called for an immediate end to the violence and demanded a prompt, impartial, and independent investigation into the reported deaths and injuries. It also urged that anyone found responsible for the unlawful use of force be held accountable in accordance with the law.

The human rights body further appealed to the authorities to exercise restraint in responding to public demonstrations as the remaining phases of the AJK legislative elections approach. According to HRCP, the priority should be to protect lives, reduce tensions, and restore public confidence rather than allow further confrontation.

The statement adds to a growing number of appeals from human rights organisations, trade unions, student organisations, and civil society groups calling for accountability, the protection of democratic freedoms, and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing political crisis in Jammu Kashmir.