Pakistan’s crackdown in PoJK intensifies; Fresh firing in Rawalakot leaves two dead and dozens Injured

Two killed in latest operation as region witnesses widespread unrest, arrests, internet curbs and allegations of human rights violations

Northlines Newsdesk

Jammu Tawi, June 15: Tensions continue to escalate across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) as security forces intensified their crackdown on protesters opposing government policies, with fresh violence reported from Rawalakot where at least two persons were killed and several others injured during an operation to disperse a sit-in demonstration.

According to the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), security personnel launched an early morning operation at the Eidgah Ground in Rawalakot against protesters who had been staging a sit-in for several days. The group claimed that two protesters lost their lives in the action while 10 to 12 others sustained injuries.

One of the deceased was identified as Naeem Ameen, a resident of Islam Pura in Palandri, while the identity of the second victim was yet to be officially confirmed. JKJAAC alleged that authorities used excessive force and fired shells that engulfed the area in smoke, causing breathing difficulties among protesters and residents.

The latest incident comes amid a broader wave of unrest sweeping PoJK following the banning of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society alliance spearheading protests over political representation, governance issues and economic grievances. Authorities have imposed restrictions, suspended internet services in several areas, detained scores of activists and announced rewards for the arrest of key JAAC leaders.

Rawalakot has emerged as the epicentre of the agitation. Earlier this month, deadly clashes between protesters and security forces resulted in significant casualties. Independent reports have placed the death toll from the June 8 violence between seven and eleven persons, including protesters and security personnel, while more than 70 people were reported injured. Authorities subsequently launched a sweeping security operation and registered sedition cases against prominent movement leaders.

Thousands of people have since participated in demonstrations across Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur and other towns, demanding accountability for civilian deaths and an end to what they describe as political repression. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have expressed concern over the ban on the protest movement, arrests of activists, communication blackouts and restrictions on peaceful assembly.

A general strike called by the banned alliance last week brought major towns across PoJK to a standstill, with businesses, markets and public transport remaining shut in several areas. Protesters have vowed to continue their agitation despite the crackdown, while authorities maintain that the measures are necessary to preserve law and order ahead of the July 27 legislative elections.

With fresh casualties now being reported from Rawalakot and public anger showing little sign of subsiding, observers fear that the situation in PoJK may deteriorate further unless meaningful political engagement replaces the current cycle of protests and forceful state response.(With inputs from Agencies)