An unarmed Kashmiri civilian was harassed and humiliated by security personnel in Azad Kashmir a deeply disturbing development.
For decades, people have seen images of armed forces using force against civilians in Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir. To see similar treatment now emerging from Azad Kashmir is deeply troubling.
A government that lacks public legitimacy cannot substitute force for public trust. Yet instead of addressing grievances through dialogue, rights and the rule of law, the regime appears increasingly reliant on power, intimidation and coercion.
Kashmiris deserve dignity, rights and justice whether they live on one side of the Line of Control or the other.
No uniform, institution or government should place itself above the rights of the people.
