Pakistani Army Opens Fire on PoK Kashmiris, Around 300 Killed, 1300 Injured
There is panic, chaos and fear all around in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has been plunged into chaos after the Pakistani Army opened fire on peaceful protesters, leaving around 300 people dead and more than 1300 injured.
The crackdown has triggered widespread anger and fear across PoK, with hospitals overwhelmed and villages under heavy military presence.
According to local sources, the violence erupted when thousands of people took to the streets in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bagh, Rawalakot and Mirpur to protest against soaring inflation, acute flour shortages, prolonged power cuts and lack of basic amenities.
The demonstrators fed up with the musgicernance, massive inflation and scarcity were demanding “roti, kapda aur makan” and shouting slogans against the Pakistan government for neglecting PoK. Instead of dialogue, security forces responded with tear gas shells followed by indiscriminate firing.
Eyewitnesses said that women and children were among those hit by bullets.
Many of the injured are in critical condition. Due to the large number of casualties, hospitals in Muzaffarabad and other districts are facing a severe shortage of medicines, doctors and beds.
To prevent news from spreading, authorities have shut down internet and mobile services in several areas and deployed additional troops on the streets.
Human rights groups have condemned the killings as “state-sponsored brutality” and have called for an independent international investigation. They allege that the Pakistani establishment has been systematically suppressing dissent in PoK for years, and this is the deadliest crackdown in recent times.
The incident has sparked massive outrage in PoK. People are carrying out funeral processions and protests despite the curfew-like restrictions. Many are now openly questioning their future with Pakistan and demanding basic rights and dignity.
The Indian government has expressed deep concern over the killings and said that atrocities against the people of PoK cannot be ignored. It has urged the international community to take note of the human rights violations and ensure justice for the victims.
At present, large parts of PoK remain under lockdown with heavy deployment of the army. The situation remains tense as anger against Islamabad continues to grow.
