- At least 16 people died and 37 were injured in POK after army opened fire on protesters
- Around 60,000 to 70,000 gathered in Rawalakot demanding affordable essentials and basic rights
- Local leaders demanded an independent probe into deaths and criticised authorities
At least 16 people have been killed and 37 others wounded on Thursday as the Pakistani army opened fire from AK-47 rifles on thousands of unarmed protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's (POK) Eidgah Ground.
Although the demonstration started peacefully by ordinary citizens demanding affordable flour, rice, electricity and basic rights, the scene soon turned violent with the Pakistani army unleashing gunfire on the crowd.
Around 60,000 and 70,000 people had assembled in Rawalakot to raise slogans against Pakistan's continued occupation and policies in the region. The demonstrators demanded justice for the 30 people who were killed and 200 were injured in clashes between protesters and security forces in POK on Tuesday.
"Ye jo dehshatgardi hai, iske peeche wardi hai" (This terrorism is being carried out by those in uniform) – protesters echoed this slogan that has now become a rallying cry across the region.
In Khai Gala village, residents shut down markets and marched against the violence. The aftermath of the protest has left roads blood-stained, fields soaked in blood and grieving families searching for loved ones.
Political activist Sardar Aman Khan from POK, the leader of the movement, vowed to continue the movement despite the loss of lives. He said that Pakistan labels everyone who fights for rights as a "terrorist".
The rally was addressed by local political leaders and representatives of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), who criticised the authorities' handling of the protests and called for an independent investigation into the reported deaths and injuries.
Speakers urged the international community and human rights organisations to take note of the situation and press for justice for the affected families.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International strongly condemned Pakistan's sweeping crackdown on protests in PoJK, accusing authorities of using excessive force, suppressing dissent, and violating fundamental human rights ahead of upcoming regional elections.
(With inputs from agencies)
