Chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed deep distress over the recent killings in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) due to police firing. He emphasized the need for authorities to address public grievances peacefully rather than resorting to force. Mirwaiz Umar’s remarks followed reports of over 20 casualties in PoK during police action against protesters.
India criticized Pakistan for its harsh treatment of people in PoK, urging the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for these actions. According to reports, civilian protesters in PoK faced fatal consequences, with casualties including pregnant women. The violent incidents also led to numerous injuries and arrests among civilians.
In response to protests, the PoK administration initiated a search for four demonstrators and offered a reward of Rs 1 crore for information leading to the capture of JAAC-affiliated leaders. The banning of Joint Awami Action Committee by the PoK administration sparked widespread unrest in the region. Despite claims of elected governance, PoK is effectively controlled by an Islamabad-backed “appointed puppet government.”
