Violence has once again erupted in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). Clashes broke out near the city’s New Bus Terminal following an operation by Pakistani security forces against civilians in Rawalakot. During this period, 9 civilians were killed in the firing by Pakistani security forces. Those killed included Zahid Mughal, Zafar Mughal, Arsalan Akbar and Wajid Hayat. Wajid Hayat died at Matiyal Mira Bus Terminal in Rawalakot. This latest violence has further increased tensions in the area, where resentment against Islamabad is rising.
A day before the bloodshed, people from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir living in America demonstrated outside the White House in Washington DC. The protesters alleged that people in their native land were facing a serious humanitarian crisis, with people being captured and killed. The protesters have appealed to leaders around the world, including the US President, to take major steps as soon as possible to immediately stop the oppressive actions of the Pakistani army.
What is the demand of the protesters
About 100 people, including women, children and community leaders, participated in the demonstration. The protesters demanded that the Pakistani army withdraw from civilian areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He appealed to the international community to take action against allegations of use of lethal force against unarmed civilians.
Appeal to India to intervene
The protesters also raised the issue of the prolonged internet shutdown. He claimed that due to this, about 40 lakh people have been cut off from the outside world. The local people made a unique appeal and asked India to intervene so that lives could be saved and humanitarian relief could be provided. He also demanded that the Line of Control (LoC) be opened through Poonch and Doda sectors to allow humanitarian aid to reach the affected residents.
India criticized Pakistan
On this matter, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday that these clashes are the result of “systematic exploitation”. Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said that the ongoing protests in PoJK are a direct result of Pakistan’s decades of systematic exploitation, deprivation of fundamental rights and administrative repression in the areas under its illegal and forcible occupation.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said that India hopes that the world will pay attention to this situation and hold Pakistan responsible for the serious atrocities and wrongdoings taking place in PoK.
This new wave of unrest started when there was protest against the reservation of 12 seats in the assembly of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir living in other parts of Pakistan. Authorities have deployed additional security forces. Internet services were stopped in some areas and strict action has been initiated against the leaders of the protest.