By Diana George,Suhail Nazeer Bhat
Copyright timesnownews
Tensions flared in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as at least 10 people, including three police personnel, were killed and more than 50 civilians injured in violent clashes on Wednesday. The violence broke out during the “Long March to Muzaffarabad,” a mass protest announced by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Protesters from Rawlakote, Bagh, Neelam, Jehlum and other regions are marching towards Muzaffarabad, intensifying the unrest in the region. In a sharp accusation, the JAAC named Pakistan Army officer Brigadier Faiq as the one responsible for ordering forces to open fire on civilians during the demonstrations. The situation remains tense as the long march continues, with fears of further escalation. PoK Protests Enter Fourth Day Protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have entered their fourth day, with violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces leaving multiple civilians dead and dozens injured. The agitation by JKJAAC began as a demand for basic rights but has now widened into a larger movement. According to reports, two civilians were killed and several others injured in Dhirkot, Bagh district, on Wednesday after police and paramilitary forces allegedly opened fire on marchers heading towards Muzaffarabad. Protesters accused the authorities of using unprovoked violence, while officials claimed demonstrators were responsible for triggering the unrest. Witness Accounts Of Violence Eyewitnesses alleged that participants of a “peace rally” led by Muslim Conference leader Raja Saqib Majeed opened fire on JKJAAC supporters gathered near Neelum Bridge on Monday. One shopkeeper succumbed to bullet injuries at the Combined Military Hospital, while another claimed he was struck by shrapnel after members of Majeed’s convoy attacked protesters. People at the hospital displayed bullet casings they said were collected from the ground while rescuing the wounded. Protesters also accused police and paramilitary forces of backing the peace rally, using tear gas and live ammunition against the crowd. Shops Shut, Internet Curbs Imposed Mobile and internet services have remained suspended in PoK since Sunday noon and are likely to continue until mid-week, according to Dawn. With shops shuttered, roads deserted and businesses paralysed, residents described the region as being under siege. The Demands Driving The Protest The JKJAAC says the protests have reignited because the government failed to honour an agreement made two years ago. At that time, the movement was largely about subsidised flour and electricity, but it has since grown to include broader political and economic demands. The protesters have presented a 38-point charter, which includes: – Ending 12 reserved assembly seats for refugees – Rolling back privileges for the Kashmiri elite – Subsidies on electricity and flour – Judicial reforms and tax relief – Construction of road projects – Free education and health facilities – Ending job quotas for refugees Rallies Across PoK By evening, hundreds gathered at Lal Chowk in Muzaffarabad, where JKJAAC leaders including Shaukat Nawaz Mir addressed the crowds and called for fresh demonstrations on Tuesday morning. Similar rallies were also reported in Rawalakot, Sudhnoti, and Bhimber. In Bhimber, Ehsanul Haq, brother of PoK’s “prime minister” Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and a PTI member, led the march. The ongoing protests, which began as a fight for affordable flour and electricity, now reflect growing public anger over governance, economic hardship, and entrenched privileges in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
