At Least 20 Dead as Protests Turn Deadly in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

Islamabad: At least 20 people were killed and dozens more injured after violence erupted during a Long March organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), amid an intensified crackdown by Pakistani security forces on protesters, according to the organisers.

JAAC said the death toll could rise further as several of the injured remain in critical condition.

In a statement shared on X, the committee said that protest caravans had reached Rawalakot, where authorities had confirmed the identities of 19 of the deceased. One additional victim, who reportedly suffered a gunshot wound to the head, remained unidentified, taking the total number of fatalities to at least 20.

The organisation said protesters had gathered at Chandni Chowk in Rawalakot and planned to assemble at Shahid Chowk after daybreak to announce their next course of action.

The march was launched after negotiations between JAAC and Pakistani authorities reportedly failed to reach an agreement. The protest began in Mirpur Division on Sunday, with participants converging in Rawalakot before marching toward Muzaffarabad on Monday.

Meanwhile, the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) accused Pakistani security forces of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators. Citing reports from the region, the group alleged that security personnel opened fire, used heavy shelling and tear gas, and carried out a violent crackdown that left dozens dead or injured.

The organisation expressed concern that shelling and the reported use of live ammunition were continuing, raising fears of additional civilian casualties. It urged the United Nations, international human rights organisations, and democratic governments to intervene and press Pakistan to halt the use of excessive force against civilians.

The ongoing protests have emerged as a major challenge to Islamabad's control over the region. Protest organisers and rights groups have alleged that Pakistani authorities have imposed curfews, communication blackouts and restrictions while attempting to suppress the demonstrations.

Last month, India criticised Pakistan over its handling of the unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Responding to questions during a weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had received reports of police brutality that had resulted in deaths and injuries and expressed hope that the international community would hold Pakistan accountable for alleged human rights abuses.

The claims regarding casualties, the conduct of Pakistani security forces and the situation on the ground have been made by protest organisers and advocacy groups, and independent verification remains limited because of reported communication restrictions in the region.

With inputs from IANS