Pakistan brutally cracks down on protests in PoK, fires drones in Rawalkot

New Delhi: Protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have once again come under fire. Several videos and photos from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were shared on social media on Thursday, claiming that the Pakistani Army is attempting to crush the protests by force. Protesters have accused the Pakistani Army of heavy firing and drone attacks. This action has been particularly intense in the city of Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where anger against the Pakistani Army and government has been most pronounced.

Burhanuddin and Ali Mustafa have shared videos from PoK on X. In these videos, people claim that Pakistani security forces have carried out drone strikes in Rawalakot. A house can be seen on fire in the video. All mobile networks and internet services in the area have also been shut down. Protesters have appealed to Kashmiris worldwide for solidarity against the atrocities of the Pakistani state. They have now called for a decisive war with Pakistan.

Claims of death of three people

In a video from PoK, a protester claims that at least three people have been killed and several others injured in Pakistani Army firing. This has created panic throughout Rawalkot. The protester claims that Pakistani security forces have been firing for two to three hours, continuously targeting unarmed people.

The protesters stated that Pakistani security forces have opened fire on civilians and children in Rawalakot. Therefore, it is necessary to take to the streets to confront the repression of the Asim Munir-led army. Therefore, not only Kashmir but also Kashmiris living around the world should take to the streets to protest against the Pakistani regime. These claims have not been confirmed by other sources.

Why is there an uproar in PoK?

Protests have been ongoing in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) since June this year. They began over seat reservations in the PoK Assembly. Later, issues of inflation and unemployment became involved. As the protests escalated, people have also taken to the streets to protest Pakistan's control over Kashmir's resources.

People in PoK, led by the JAAC, have been on the streets since June this year, disrupting normal life due to political instability and anti-government protests in the region. Protests have taken place in most major cities in PoK. Rawalakot, in particular, has seen thousands of people protesting, and frequent violent clashes have occurred.

Pakistan's repressive attitude

Instead of engaging with the people of PoK, Pakistan's Shahbaz Sharif government and Asim Munir's military leadership have resorted to coercion. They have banned the JAAC, arrested its leaders, and fired on crowds. This has inflamed Kashmiris' anger , and they are now calling for an all-out war.