{
  "id": 91378,
  "title": "'Will arrest us at hospitals': PoK protesters risk death over electricity, flour",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/will-arrest-us-at-hospitals-pok-protesters-risk-death-over",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-03T15:19:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/theyll-arrest-us-at-hospitals-pok-protesters-risk-death-over-electricity-flour-demands/articleshow/132835505.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nRawalakot, 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.\n\nFamilies 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.\n\nJAAC 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe unrest coincides with local elections in PoK, adding to the already tense atmosphere.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "PoK protesters accuse security forces of arresting and shooting them.",
    "JAAC demands reduced electricity and flour prices, better healthcare and education.",
    "Protesters risk arrest at hospitals due to lack of advanced medical equipment."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The escalating protests in PoK underscore the widening rift between the region's residents and authorities, with the banned JAAC group now facing increased repression and accusations that threaten to further destabilize the area.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}