Islamabad: The situation in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir remained on edge, as massive protests continued against the high prices of wheat flour, increase in electricity bills and taxes, with reports of civilian casualties coming in due to firing by security forces in Muzaffarabad.
Videos circulated on social media showing civilians injured in firing being moved by colleagues, and smoke billowing in the air in some places.
According to reports, four civilians have died as a result of firing by the Pakistani security forces.
Pakistani journalist Taha Siddiqui in a post on X said:
“#BREAKING Pakistani paramilitary forces Rangers fire directly at protesters in Pakistan administered #Kashmir. Four days of unrest continues in the region with no resolution in sight. This is alarming!”
Another social media person said that four Kashmiri civilians had died in firing by Pakistani Rangers in Muzaffarabad. “Indiscriminate firing against protesting Kashmiris who were demanding their fundamental rights. Massive clashes and civilian unrest being reported across POK.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a high-level meeting to discuss the ongoing situation in PoK, and urged all parties to adopt a peaceful course of action to resolve the demands. He also announced a Rs 23 billion aid package for the region.
The shutter and wheel-jam strike called in PoK by the Awami Joint Action Committee entered the fourth consecutive day on Monday, paralysing daily life in the region. Markets remained closed, public transport was suspended, and government offices as well as educational institutions remained shut.
Compounding the situation, internet services were also suspended, but later unblocked. March participants from different areas had started gathering at Dhirkot, from where they were supposed to proceed towards Muzaffarabad.
The ongoing strike is emblematic of simmering tensions in the region, as thousands of people have embarked on a long march from Rawalakot towards Muzaffarabad. The march, initiated by leaders of the Awami Joint Action Committee, resumed after negotiations with the government were deadlocked on Sunday. The protesters spent the night at Dhirkot and other locations before resuming their journey towards Muzaffarabad.
The authorities responded by deploying police forces to prevent the march.
Last week, several of the AAC members were arrested by police in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur divisions. The committee announced a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike on Friday and police blocked the roads leading to Muzaffarabad and resorted to baton charge and teargas shelling to disperse the protesters on Saturday.
As the crackdown against the protesters continued, several people were taken into custody from different parts of the region.
There are reports of announcements being made from mosques in Poonch and Bagh areas, urging residents to join the march towards Muzaffarabad.
