16 killed as forces again fire on PoK protesters

Two Days After 30 Deaths

“Ye jo dehshatgardi hai, iske peeche wardi hai” (This terrorism is being carried out by those in uniform), protesters chanted.

At least 16 people died and 37 injured on Thursday when the Pakistani army allegedly opened fire with AK-47 rifles on thousands of unarmed pr­otesters at Eidgah Ground in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The demonstration began peacefully, with citizens demanding affordable flour, rice, electricity and basic rights, before turning violent as security forces allegedly opened fire on the crowd.

An estimated 60,000 to 70,000 people gathered in Rawalakot, raising slogans against Pakistan’s policies in the region. The protesters also demanded justice for the 30 people killed and 200 injured in clashes with security forces in PoK on Tuesday.

In Khai Gala village, residents shut markets and marched against the violence. The protest’s aftermath left roads bloodstained and fami­lies searching for loved ones.

Political activist Sardar Aman Khan, a leader of the movement in PoK, vowed to continue the agitation despite the deaths. He said Pakistan labels everyone who fights for rights a “terrorist”.

The rally was addressed by local leaders and representatives of the Joint Awami Action Committee, who criticised the authorities’ handling of the protests and called for an independent probe into the deaths. Speakers urged the international community and rights bodies to take note and press for justice for affe­c­t­ed families. Amnesty Inter­n­a­tional condemned Pa­kistan’s crackdown on protests in PoK, accusing the authorities of using excessive force, supp­ressing dissent and vi­olating fundamental rights ahead of regional polls.