Srinagar, June 8: At least 11 people were killed and dozens injured as Pakistani troops launched a major crackdown on protestors in PoJK fighting for their genuine rights and fired on the unarmed civilian protestors.
The unrest erupted amid tensions with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a representative body of PoJK people which is campaigning for economic and governance reforms, which had vowed to continue protests despite being banned under anti-terrorism laws by the local administration.
The JAAC has called for protests on June 9.
The violence broke out on Sunday after activists from the JAAC protested outside a hospital morgue over the death of a member in the Pakistani troops firing.
The clashes broke out when police and Pakistani Rangers and Pakistan army personnel arrived at the hospital to disperse the protesters.
The Pakistani troops fired hundreds of rounds on the protestors from different directions.
The residents alleged that the drones were capturing the live streaming of the incident.
According to Rawalakot Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan seven protestors were killed in the firing by the police and Pakistani troops.
He claimed that four police officers were also killed in the firing by protesters.
The PoJK government under the pressure of the Pakistani government and Pakistan army had banned JAAC on June 5 under anti-terrorism laws.
Since then, tensions in the region have continued to escalate.
The PoK government on June 5, citing concerns related to public order and security.
The following day, police launched a crackdown against the organization's supporters and carried out multiple arrests.
The administration claims that most of JAAC’s 38 demands have already been accepted. Despite this, the organization has continued its protest movement.
A key issue driving JAAC’s agitation is the demand to abolish 12 reserved seats in the legislative assembly, which the group argues should be eliminated.
Authorities said the JAAC’s central office was sealed on Sunday, while a ban on large public gatherings was imposed in Muzaffarabad, the largest city in PoJK
In view of the tense situation, the residents in PoK are resorting to stocking up on essentials ahead of expected protests and potential lockdowns.
Police have arrested more than 70 JAAC members over the weekend as part of the crackdown.
The group has condemned its designation as a “terror” organisation, calling it “oppression” and insisting it is campaigning for legitimate economic and political rights.
The mobile internet services in the PoJK have been restricted, and security patrols have intensified.
The UK MPs have expressed concern over the situation in PoJK and asked its Foreign office to intervene.
With anger mounting and protests continuing, the crisis in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir appears far from over.