At least 20 people lost their lives and many others were critically injured during a Long March organized by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The death toll is expected to increase as several of the injured are in critical condition.
The Long March caravans reached Rawalakot city, with 19 deceased individuals identified and one person with no identification found dead with a bullet wound to the head. The total death toll has now reached at least 20. Further details are pending daylight and restored communications.
The march, initiated after failed talks between JAAC and Pakistani authorities, began in Mirpur Division and culminated in a sit-in at Rawalakot before proceeding towards Muzaffarabad. The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) highlighted humanitarian abuses in PoK, urging international intervention.
The ongoing protests in PoK challenge Islamabad’s control, leading to a severe crackdown by Pakistani forces with reports of civilian casualties. India criticized Pakistan for spreading fake news to divert attention from its human rights violations in PoK, calling for international accountability.
