New Delhi [India]: Two people were killed and 22 others injured on Monday after violent clashes broke out during massive protests against the Pakistan government in Muzaffarabad, Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Sources said that armed groups, allegedly backed by the Pakistan Army and the ISI-supported Muslim Conference, opened fire on civilians demanding their fundamental rights.
Streets erupt in violence
Videos aired by Pakistani news channels showed scenes of complete chaos. In one video, armed men fired into the air while protesters clambered on top of vehicles amid a sea of flag-waving, slogan-chanting crowds. Another video captured a protester holding a handful of spent bullet shells, evidence of the violence unleashed on demonstrators.
The protests, organised by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), have shaken PoK over the past 24 hours, resulting in a complete shutdown of local businesses, markets, and transport services. Protesters carried placards and raised slogans accusing Islamabad of decades-long neglect and exploitation.
38 demands put forth
The AAC has placed 38 demands before the government, including the abolition of 12 reserved assembly seats for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, which locals say undermines democratic representation in the region.
“Our campaign is for fundamental rights denied to our people for over 70 years… either deliver on rights or face the wrath of the people,” AAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir declared. He also warned that the strike was only “plan A” and that the committee had backup strategies, including a far harsher “plan D,” if Islamabad ignored their demands.
Heavy military deployment
In response, Islamabad deployed thousands of heavily armed troops across PoK towns. News outlet Dawn reported that flag marches were conducted to intimidate protesters. Sources said an additional 1,000 troops were dispatched from Islamabad, while others were rerouted from neighbouring Punjab.
Authorities also imposed internet restrictions across the region in an attempt to curb mobilisation and information flow.
Recent tragedies add to anger
The unrest comes just days after Pakistani Air Force fighter jets bombed a village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, ostensibly to target terrorists. The strikes, carried out by Chinese-made JF-17 aircraft using LS-6 laser-guided bombs, killed 30 civilians, fuelling public anger and distrust of Islamabad’s handling of security.
Local communities, already grappling with increased terror attacks, have been enraged by the presence of banned militant groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, which shifted operations to the region after India’s Operation Sindoor targeted their bases.
Growing unrest in PoK
The clashes underline a larger and growing discontent in PoK, where locals feel their voices have been systematically ignored for decades. With the AAC threatening escalated action and Islamabad showing no signs of yielding, tensions are expected to remain high in the coming weeks.