PoK Unrest: 9 Killed As Pakistani Forces Open Fire On Protesters In Rawalakot

Rawalakot: The situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Rawalakot has become extremely tense following violent clashes between security forces and protesters. Conflict between protesters and security forces were reported from multiple locations, with at least nine protesters killed and several others injured.

What happen during protest?

Tensions are high in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), following firing by security forces and subsequent violent protests. Local residents took to the streets in Rawalakot to protest when Pakistani security forces allegedly opened fire on them, resulting in the deaths of several people. At least nine people have been killed in Rawalakot.

What did JAAC say?

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) claimed that at least nine people were killed in Rawalkot alone, while some reports put the death toll higher.

A handwritten list shared by JAAC names those killed, including Usman Nazir, Kashif, Mohammad Ibrahim, Arsal Asghar, Hanif Mohammad Bashir, Wasim Afzal, Basit Shah and Sabir Khan.

At the same time, it has also been claimed in the reports that after this violence, internet services have been suspended in many parts of PoK.

What is the reason protest?

In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), people took to the streets to protest in Rawalakot, while Pakistani security forces allegedly opened fire, resulting in several casualties. The latest escalation comes amid months of unrest in PoK over governance, political representation and economic issues.

Since the beginning of June, widespread protests have been taking place here, including sit-ins, demonstrations, and the closure of public transport, shops, and other businesses. Since the protests began, several people, including some security personnel, have died in clashes between protesters and local police and paramilitary forces.

According to the information, the main demands of the protesters include abolition of the system of 12 reserved seats in the local assembly, giving more political representation to the local people, release of arrested leaders and workers, better governance and improvement on other economic issues including electricity.