As clashes erupted in Rawalakot city of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), 12 individuals lost their lives, comprising eight protesters and four security personnel. The Commissioner of Poonch district in PoK confirmed the casualties, mentioning that members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) targeted security forces with modern weapons, leading to a disruption of law and order in the area.
Following the incident, stringent security measures have been implemented in PoK to monitor the situation closely. The clashes occurred after the PoK government outlawed JAAC under anti-terrorism laws, ahead of their planned protest on June 9. The group had previously organized protests over economic and political issues, some of which turned violent, resulting in fatalities during clashes with law enforcement in the past.
Tensions escalated in PoK as authorities cracked down on JAAC activists, designating the group as banned and imposing security measures before their scheduled Long March. The protesters alleged excessive use of force by security forces, particularly after the reported deaths of two JAAC members during the demonstrations, intensifying public outrage across the region.
Protests have spread beyond Rawalakot to other parts of PoK, with demonstrations and strikes reported in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Tata Pani, and Plandari. The situation has garnered international attention, with solidarity demonstrations in the UK and concerns raised over human rights in PoK at forums in the US and Australia. The European Times highlighted the critical nature of the unfolding crisis in PoK, with the upcoming days expected to be pivotal amidst growing public discontent and the Long March on the horizon.
