New Delhi: Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is currently witnessing significant instability, with normal life severely disrupted. The 48th day of the uprising in the region turned into a battleground. Pakistani Rangers opened a barrage of gunfire targeting protesters, resulting in the deaths of 11 people. Enraged by this, the protesters went on a rampage.
On Monday, the 48th day of the uprising,g talks were held with the Pakistan government, but the protesters’ demands remained unmet. Consequently, a crowd of 200,000 people, having gathered in Rawalakot from various areas, began marching towards Muzaffarabad at 4 PM. At that moment, Pakistani Rangers opened direct fire on the crowds converging on Rawalakot from other cities.
Streets rocked by firing on the crowd of 200,000
As the crowd of 200,000 advanced, Pakistani Rangers opened fire on the unarmed protesters. They deployed water cannons and fired tear gas shells, yet the protesters refused to stop. As the procession moved forward from the Eidgah ground, the Rangers began shooting at the massive crowd.
For nearly an hour and a half, Pakistani Rangers fired intermittently with AK-47s and launched tear gas shells. By around 8 PM, the deaths of 11 people had been confirmed. A large number of people were injured; some are reported to be in critical condition, and the death toll may rise.
Pakistani Army’s brutality crushes protesters.
The brutality of the Pakistani Army in PoK has been inhumane. Mohammad Aqeel, a protester from the region, recounted the cruelty of the Pakistani Rangers with a choked voice and appealed to the international media and human rights organisations for assistance. Amidst the gunfire, protesters are bearing witness to the brutality of Asim Munir and his army.
Images bear witness to the brutality
Images emerging from Rawalakot in PoK are enough to attest to the cruelty of the Pakistani Rangers. Gunfire was directed at the people, resulting in injuries that required the victims to be rushed to the hospital by ambulance. The condition of many protesters remains critical. The bodies of the deceased have been laid out together on cots for the Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral prayer).
Meanwhile, the injured are being kept at the Eidgah ground, as protesters allege that the Combined Military Hospital in Rawalakot has been occupied by the Rangers.
Internet Suspended in PoK for Days
It is worth noting that people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are staging protests, leading to a suspension of internet services since June 5. The internet shutdown is causing difficulties for the public. More than 85 people have lost their lives so far due to firing by Pakistani Rangers. Indiscriminate firing on Monday resulted in 11 deaths and left over 38 people injured.
