National Times Bureau :- At least 12 civilians have been killed in protests in Pakistan occupied Kashmir after Pakistani security forces opened fire on protesters. The protests erupted over government’s failure to meet 38 key demands, have now snowballed into extensive agitation against excesses by the military in the region.
The unrest entered its third day on Thursday, with violent clashes breaking out between protesters and the army in Dadyal. The government deployed thousands of additional troops in an attempt to restore order. Besides Muzaffarabad, the violence has spread to Rawalakot, Neelum Valley, and Kotli. Reports say five protesters were killed in Muzaffarabad, another five in Dheerkot, and two in Dadyal. Three police officers have also lost their lives, while over 200 people have been injured—many critically, most with gunshot wounds. The demonstrations, organized by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (AAC), have paralyzed daily life across the region.
The core of the agitation is the demand to scrap 12 assembly seats in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) that are reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. Protesters are also demanding tax cuts, subsidies on flour and electricity, and the completion of pending development projects. Since the protests began on September 29, markets, shops, and businesses have remained shut, while mobile, internet, and landline services have been suspended. Despite tight security, rallies were held in several towns, with demonstrators chanting slogans such as “Rulers, beware, we are your doom” and “Kashmir is ours, we will decide its fate.”
As the crisis deepens, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the government is ready to address the grievances and has formed a negotiation committee to seek a peaceful solution.
Meanwhile, Nasir Aziz Khan, spokesperson for the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP), has called on the United Nations and the international community to intervene urgently.
Speaking at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Khan cautioned about an impending humanitarian crisis in POK and reminded member states of their responsibilities under international law.
The escalation comes on the heels of last week’s tragedy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where Pakistan Air Force strikes killed 30 civilians.
