Pakistan doesn't want world to know what these people saw
After months of an internet and mobile blackout in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, people on the ground describe scenes of excessive, deadly force by government forces.
Protests over political and economic grievances have erupted in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, leading to deadly confrontations with government forces. Despite internet restrictions and a ban on foreign journalists, eyewitnesses are sharing their stories. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a protest group formed in 2023, demands the annulment of recent elections and an interim government.
Haji Hasan Azizi, a resident of Rawalakot, witnessed security officials firing on unarmed civilians. Another witness, Mumtaz Khan, saw tear gas and large-caliber bullets. Protesters marched to the capital Muzaffarabad due to electoral reform disputes. The JAAC claims over 83 deaths since June, while the government denies the figure and cites alleged armed protests.
Restrictions on reporting and foreign journalists hinder verifying the situation. Many protesters demand affordable food, electricity, and quality education. The JAAC also seeks to abolish 12 reserved seats in the legislature for refugees from the Indian-controlled side.
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