The number of civilians killed rose to 12 after a third consecutive day of violent protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) against the Pakistani government, NDTV reported.
At least four people were killed in Dhirkot in Bagh district, sources told, while at least two others died in Muzaffarabad and two in Mirpur, while over 200 civilians have been injured.As per the , PoK has been wracked by massive protests – led by the Joint Awami Action Committee over the ‘denial of fundamental rights’ – in the past 72 hours, including a complete shutdown of markets, shops, and local businesses, as well as a halt on transport services.
Protestors threw stones and large shipping containers – strategically placed on bridges to block their march on Muzaffarabad – were tossed into the river below, it said.
The news network said visuals showed dozens of protesters uniting to push them off the bridge.
Sources said the JAAC has blamed the Muzaffarabad deaths on Pak Rangers opening fire, and the others on heavy shelling by Pak security forces, including the Army, on civilians.
The protesters – whose ‘long march’ on Muzaffarabad continues despite the crackdown – have 38 demands, which include abolition of 12 seats in the PoK Assembly reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. Locals argue this undermines representative governance.
PTI Adds:
Meanwhile, a British parliamentary group has written to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to raise serious concerns over the “escalating situation” in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), highlighting reports of a total communications blackout in the region.
The chair of the Kashmir All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), Imran Hussain, posted a letter on social media on Tuesday to bring the protests and lockdown in the region to the attention of FCDO Minister in charge of Pakistan, Hamish Falconer.
The Mirpuri heritage Labour MP for Bradford East says in the letter that the communications blackout had caused deep anxiety among many of his constituents who have family in PoK.
“Reports from the ground indicate a total communication blackout, including the suspension of mobile, internet, and landline services across the region,” Hussain’s letter reads.