Intensified Crackdown in PoK Leaves 35 Dead Amid Protests

Protest organizers involved in the ongoing Long March in Rawalakot have reported a significant escalation in the crackdown by security forces, alleging that unarmed demonstrators are being targeted by snipers stationed on rooftops in the area. The organizers claim that those participating in the protests, who are carrying peace flags, are seeking safe passage but are met with increasing violence as fears grow over a potential large-scale operation against them. Eyewitness accounts suggest that security personnel have been executing targeted gunfire, specifically aiming for the heads of civilians, which has raised serious concerns about the tactics being employed against peaceful protesters.

One protest organizer expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “Whenever our unarmed civilians move forward, they become targets of gunfire. Most of the people who were killed yesterday suffered gunshot wounds to the head—what is commonly called headshots. We had only seen such things in video games; we never imagined these oppressors would do this to us.” This chilling statement underscores the fear that has gripped the protesters, as they allege that snipers have even targeted the light from mobile phones during the night, aiming to instill terror among those gathered. The organizers fear that a large-scale operation could lead to mass casualties, with reports of continuous gunfire at night further exacerbating the panic among the local population.