'Will arrest us at hospitals': PoK protesters risk death over electricity, flour
Following weeks of deadly clashes, protests in the disputed region of PoK have escalated, with demonstrators accusing security forces of arresting and shooting them. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has been demanding reduced electricity and flour prices, as well as improved access to vital services like healthcare and education. The group claims an October agreement with PoK and Pakistan to address some of its demands has not been fulfilled.
Rawalakot, a key protest hub, is experiencing significant disruption, with roads blocked, shops closed, and internet access cut off. A makeshift clinic near the main protest site, staffed by Dr Anwar, has treated around 50 to 60 critically injured individuals since July 27, with estimates of 15 to 20 gunshot wounds. However, the clinic lacks advanced equipment for treating chest, abdominal, or head injuries.
Families report losing relatives to the violence, with Asma and Salman sharing harrowing tales of their sons being shot. The JAAC maintains its protests are peaceful and driven by economic and basic rights demands, rejecting claims of violence. Authorities, however, accuse the JAAC of being armed and attempting to disrupt elections.
JAAC has been banned since June and labeled as foreign-funded terrorists by authorities. The group denies these allegations, stating their support comes from the PoK diaspora, not India. Authorities also accuse JAAC of attacking law enforcement and obstructing public order, displaying weapons they claim to have recovered from the group.
The JAAC counters these claims, alleging that security forces have fired indiscriminately at peaceful protesters and that infiltrators may have committed violence to bolster the authorities' narrative. Protesters have not exhibited weapons or engaged in shooting, though gunshots were heard. Authorities deny blocking food or medical supplies but blame the JAAC for roadblocks.
The unrest coincides with local elections in PoK, adding to the already tense atmosphere.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
