Crisis in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir: JAAC Reports 40 Deaths Amid Protests

Recent reports from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have raised serious concerns regarding civilian safety, as the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has alleged that nearly 40 individuals lost their lives over a span of three days due to actions taken by Pakistani security forces. The organization claims that excessive force was used against unarmed demonstrators, leading to hundreds of injuries during the ongoing protests. JAAC leader Umar Nazir Kashmiri has accused the authorities of employing military-grade weaponry against peaceful protesters, asserting that the long march towards Muzaffarabad has been temporarily halted to facilitate funerals for the deceased, although the call for continued protests remains in effect.

The situation in PoK has been exacerbated by a prolonged internet blackout, which has hindered communication and reporting on the ground. Amidst this backdrop, Kashmiri has indicated that reports suggest approximately 40 fatalities, with around 20 occurring in the city of Mirpur alone. He emphasized that while the figures are alarming, they have yet to be independently verified. Kashmiri condemned the actions of the Pakistani forces, claiming they directly fired upon demonstrators, which he described as an egregious act of aggression. He further asserted that the weaponry used was typically reserved for conflict situations along the Line of Control, raising serious concerns about the treatment of civilians in the region.