Jammu, 31 July (H.S.): The J&K unit of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) here today staged a protest demonstration against the brutal crackdown, excessive use of force and human rights violations by the Pakistani Army and other security forces of unarmed civilians in Pakistan-occupied J&K (PoJK).

The protesters raised slogans against Pakistan Government and torched the effigy of Pakistan Army Chief, General Asim Munir.

The protest was led by Shiv Sena (UBT) J&K president, Manish Sahni who claimed that that Pakistani security forces were opening indiscriminate firing on unarmed civilians demanding freedom, basic rights, relief from soaring inflation, shortages of flour and electricity and an end to administrative repression in PoJK.

He also claimed that over 60 civilians have been killed and over 200 injured till last reports while situation in areas including Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Rawalakot and Poonch remained tense.

Sahni reiterated India's long-standing position on PoJK that the entire territory is an integral and inalienable part of India that remained under the illegal occupation of Pakistan since 1947-48.

The Shiv Sena leader urged the Central Government to mount diplomatic pressure on Pakistan for ensuring safety and security of the people living in PoJK.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar