12 Civilians Killed In Firing By Pak Forces As Violent Protests Paralyse POK
At least 12 civilians have been killed after Pakistani security forces opened fire on massive protests that have brought Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) to a standstill. The region is witnessing one of its largest-scale unrests in recent years, which has now entered its third day. The protests, initially sparked by the government’s failure to address key local demands, have escalated into a broader agitation against military excesses and state repression.
The situation turned deadly as security forces used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse crowds across the region. According to reports, five protesters were shot dead in Muzaffarabad, another five in Dheerkot, and two in Dadyal. The violence has also claimed the lives of at least three police personnel. Over 200 people have been injured, many critically with gunshot wounds, overwhelming local hospitals. In response to the escalating crisis, thousands of additional troops have been rushed in from Punjab and Islamabad to suppress the unrest.
The agitation, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (AAC), has completely paralysed the region. At the heart of the protest are 38 demands, including the abolition of 12 POK assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, tax relief, and subsidies on essential goods like flour and electricity. Since the protests began on September 29, all markets, shops, and businesses have remained shut, and a complete communications blackout has been enforced with mobile, internet, and landline services all suspended.
Visuals circulating on social media show thousands of protesters clashing with security forces, throwing stones, and toppling large shipping containers placed to block their march. Amid the escalating violence, the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) has appealed to the United Nations for urgent intervention. Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, UKPNP spokesperson Nasir Aziz Khan warned of an impending humanitarian crisis and called on the international community to act.
