Post by : Rameen Ariff

At least eight civilians have died during the third consecutive day of violent protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), as demonstrators continue to demand basic rights from the Pakistani government. Four people were killed in Dhirkot, Bagh district, while two others lost their lives in Muzaffarabad and two more in Mirpur. Earlier on Tuesday, two civilians died in Muzaffarabad, bringing the total death toll in the past 72 hours to ten.

The unrest, led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), has disrupted daily life across PoK. Markets, shops, and local businesses remained closed, and transportation services were halted. Protesters clashed with authorities, throwing stones and even large shipping containers into rivers to block roads and bridges during their march on Muzaffarabad. Videos from the region show locals collectively moving containers to obstruct their path.

The protesters have put forward 38 demands, including the removal of 12 assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, which they argue undermines proper representative governance. AAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir emphasized that the campaign aims to secure fundamental rights that have been denied to the people for over 70 years. Mir warned the Pakistani authorities that the ongoing strike was just “Plan A” and further action, including “Plan D,” is prepared if demands are ignored.

In response, Islamabad has deployed additional troops and held heavily-armed flag marches across PoK towns. Reports indicate that an extra 1,000 soldiers have been sent from the capital, and internet services in the region have been restricted.

These protests follow a tragic incident last week, when 30 civilians were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province due to airstrikes carried out by Pakistan Air Force J-17 fighter jets, using Chinese-made LS-6 laser-guided bombs. This incident fueled anger among local communities, already tense from increased terrorist activity in the region, including the presence of banned groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed establishing new bases.

The ongoing unrest in PoK highlights the deep frustration of civilians over the denial of fundamental rights and the increasing militarization of the region. Authorities face growing pressure to address the protesters’ demands and prevent further civilian casualties.

#world news #Global News