The Jammu-based Research and Advocacy Group (RAAG) has called upon the Government of India to summon the Chargé d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and register a strong diplomatic protest over reports of killings, injuries, arrests, restrictions and humanitarian hardships affecting residents of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK).

In a memorandum addressed to External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, the organisation has sought both an oral and written démarche to Pakistan, followed by an official Note Verbale formally recording India’s concerns while reaffirming its sovereign position regarding PoK.

The memorandum was submitted by Advocate Madhavi Sambyal, authorised signatory of RAAG, who highlighted reports emerging from PoK and appeals from local residents seeking protection of their lives, liberty, dignity and fundamental rights.

RAAG argued that the people of PoK are part of the wider Jammu and Kashmir community and should not be viewed as detached from India simply because they are separated by the Line of Control and live under what India considers Pakistan’s illegal occupation.

The organisation maintained that appeals being made by residents of PoK during the current crisis should not go unanswered and deserve a visible and carefully considered response from New Delhi that remains consistent with India’s sovereignty and national security interests.

In its submission, RAAG reiterated India’s longstanding position that the entire territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh form an integral part of India. It also referred to the unanimous Parliamentary Resolution adopted on 22 February 1994, which called upon Pakistan to vacate territories under its control.

Particular emphasis was placed on Section 14(4) of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The provision reserves 24 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly for areas presently under Pakistan’s occupation, with those seats remaining vacant until residents can elect their representatives.

According to RAAG, this provision demonstrates that Parliament has recognised not only the territory under occupation but also the people residing there as an integral part of the constitutional framework.

The organisation also expressed concern over what it described as the failure of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly to discuss the conditions faced by people in PoK despite the statutory recognition accorded to them.

RAAG noted that Assembly members have previously debated international issues relating to Palestine, Gaza, Iran, Israel and the United States. However, it argued that similar attention has not been given to the hardships reportedly faced by residents across the Line of Control.




While acknowledging that concern for civilians affected by global conflicts is legitimate, the organisation questioned why people living in territory historically and constitutionally linked to Jammu and Kashmir have not received comparable institutional attention.




According to the memorandum, this absence of discussion risks creating the impression that both the territory of PoK and its residents have gradually faded from the institutional consciousness of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.




RAAG stated that this perceived disconnect was among the reasons it approached the Union Government directly, seeking reassurance that the people of PoK have not been forgotten or abandoned within India’s national consciousness.




The organisation has simultaneously appealed to the Speaker and members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly to initiate substantive debate on the issue and formally acknowledge the concerns and appeals emerging from PoK.




RAAG stressed that the issue extends beyond territorial claims and concerns the welfare, rights and dignity of people who, under India’s constitutional position, remain part of the broader Jammu and Kashmir community.




The memorandum ultimately urges the Government of India to formally convey its grave concern to Pakistan regarding the reported treatment of civilians in PoK and to seek an immediate end to actions resulting in loss of life, injuries, arbitrary detentions and humanitarian suffering.




Copies of the memorandum have also been forwarded to senior Ministry of External Affairs officials handling Pakistan-related matters, including the Foreign Secretary and officials of the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran Division.




The appeal comes amid continuing debate over India’s constitutional and political position on territories across the Line of Control, with RAAG contending that the welfare and representation of people residing in PoK should remain a matter of national and institutional attention.