Deadly Violence Erupts in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as Protesters Demand Fundamental Rights

Two individuals were killed and 22 were injured on Monday during violent clashes amid protests against the Pakistani government in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. According to sources who spoke with NDTV, armed individuals supported by the Pakistan Army and ISI-backed Muslim Conference were observed firing on civilians who were demanding basic rights.

Videos documenting the violence, which were shared online by Pakistani news channels, highlighted the chaotic situation on the streets.

In one video, men can be seen discharging firearms into the air while others climb onto vehicles surrounded by masses of demonstrators waving flags and chanting slogans. Another video shows a protester displaying a collection of spent bullet casings.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has experienced significant protests over the past 24 hours, led by the Awami Action Committee protesting the 'denial of fundamental rights.' These demonstrations have included a complete closure of markets, shops, and businesses, as well as a suspension of transportation services.

The protesters have articulated 38 demands, including the abolition of 12 seats in the PoK Assembly that are currently reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan. Local residents argue that this arrangement undermines representative governance.

"Our campaign is for fundamental rights denied to our people for over 70 years... either deliver on rights or face the wrath of the people," stated AAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir.

Mir also issued a concerning warning to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's administration.

He characterized the strike as 'plan A' – conveying that public patience has been exhausted and authorities have been put on notice. The AAC has contingency plans, including what Mir described as a severe 'plan D.'

The Pakistani government has responded to these demonstrations with a display of force.

Heavily armed patrols have conducted flag marches through towns in PoK, according to Pakistani news website Dawn. Additionally, thousands of troops have been redirected from neighboring Punjab province.

Sources indicate that an additional 1,000 troops have been deployed from the capital, Islamabad.

The Pakistani government has also implemented restrictions on internet access in the region.

This week's clashes in PoK follow a tragic incident that occurred last week.

Thirty civilians were killed in Pakistani Air Force strikes – involving China-made J-17 fighter jets that dropped Chinese-made LS-6 laser-guided bombs – on a village in the country's remote Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

These fatalities have sparked outrage among local communities already concerned about the increase in terrorist attacks in recent years. The increased terrorist activity in Khyber also follows the movement of banned groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed into the area to establish new operational bases following India's Operation Sindoor.

With input from agencies