New Delhi: Pakistan occupied Kashmir remained tense on Tuesday after anti election protesters alleged that a security crackdown in Rawalakot left at least 20 people dead and hundreds injured, prompting strong criticism from Pakistan’s opposition and renewed calls for justice from protest leaders.
The violence reportedly unfolded in Rawalakot’s Dreik Eidgah area, where large numbers of residents had boycotted the elections and gathered to protest. According to the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee and local activists, Pakistani military personnel, Punjab Rangers and police used live ammunition, long range tear gas shells and snipers to disperse demonstrators. Protest organisers claimed the operation resulted in at least 20 deaths and several hundred injuries, although these figures have not been independently verified.
Eyewitnesses alleged that security personnel fired directly into crowds, with bullets also striking nearby buildings. Following the clashes, protesters claimed they had barricaded major roads leading into Rawalakot to prevent additional security forces from entering the city after polling concluded in other parts of Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
Residents further alleged that authorities imposed a communications blackout, with mobile networks, internet services and electricity disrupted across parts of the region. Protesters appealed to international organisations and independent journalists to closely monitor the developments.
Despite the reported casualties, the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee said the movement would continue. Committee leader Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri vowed to press ahead with the long march and seek justice for those killed, adding that the next phase of the protest would be announced from Maqbool Butt Shaheed Chowk as demonstrators continued arriving in Rawalakot.
The crackdown also triggered criticism from within Pakistan. Jamiat Ulema e Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned the use of force, describing the firing on unarmed protesters as “open terrorism.” He accused state institutions of failing to address public grievances and urged the authorities to immediately stop the alleged repression while respecting the people’s right to peaceful protest.
The situation in Rawalakot remains volatile, with protesters continuing their demonstrations. Several claims regarding the death toll, communications blackout and actions of security forces have been made by protest groups and local activists and have not been independently verified. Pakistani authorities had not issued a detailed public response to the allegations at the time of reporting.
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