Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been gripped by widespread unrest after violent clashes between protesters and security forces left more than 30 people dead and around 200 injured, according to reports. The violence erupted following the government’s decision to ban the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society alliance that has led protests over economic hardship, governance issues and political rights in the region.
The latest confrontation took place in Rawalakot, where thousands of JAAC supporters gathered after the death of a local trader who was allegedly shot during an earlier confrontation with law enforcement officials. Protesters assembled outside a hospital mortuary where the trader’s body had been taken, triggering fresh tensions between demonstrators and security personnel.
Authorities had declared the JAAC a banned organisation last week, citing concerns over public order and security. However, the move sparked anger across several parts of PoK, with residents accusing the administration of suppressing dissent. As protests intensified, clashes broke out in multiple areas, leading to heavy casualties and injuries among both protesters and security personnel.
The unrest has drawn international attention. India strongly condemned the reported violence, with the Ministry of External Affairs describing the crackdown as an attempt to suppress public dissent and cover up governance failures in the region.
Reports also indicate that internet services have been suspended in several areas and security has been tightened amid fears of further violence. Demonstrations condemning the crackdown have been reported in different countries, while human rights concerns continue to grow over the situation in the region.
The situation remains tense, with authorities on high alert and protesters vowing to continue their movement despite the crackdown.
