PoK unrest: 2 killed, several injured in widespread protest; internet services blocked

NEW DELHI: At least two people were killed and 22 were injures after police on Monday reportedly opened fire on protestors in PoK after people took to street over long-standing, unresolved issues.

According to a report by Samaa TV, all markets, shops, and business centres were closed across the region as the Kashmiri population halted all commercial activities in solidarity from the Joint Action Committee

Shops markets and local business were closed as the Kashmir population came in support of Neelum Valley Public Action Committee by halting all commercial activities.

This comes after Shaukat Nawaz Mir, head of the Neelum Valley Public Action Committee, announced a full-scale shutdown to press for public demands. He warned authorities that any attempt to carry out the strike will be met with force.

'Incompetent Anwar government'

Pictures from PoJK showed huge crowds rallying in different areas, raising slogans against what they described as the denial of their rights. The scale of the gatherings reflected growing anger across multiple districts. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) unit in PoJK also participated these protests, issuing a series of statements accusing the Anwar-led government of "incompetence and repression" as unrest spreads across multiple regions.

"Sara Mirpur has taken to the streets against her rights and this incompetent Anwar government," PTI posted on X.


The party also alleged that the demonstrations have been met with state-backed violence. "The video of the thugs of the Muslim (Criminal) Conference opening direct fire on peaceful protesters under state patronage has come to light, resulting in four people being seriously injured," PTI claimed.

Internet suspended, telephone services cut-off

According to a news report by Samaa TV, internet and mobile phone services remained suspended throughout the region for the second day. Telephone services were cut off, deepening the region's isolation from the rest of the world.

Residents have been left cut off from family and friends, raising widespread alarm over the humanitarian implications of such a blackout.

These demonstrations in PoJK mirror earlier unrest reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Opposition leaders from PTI alleged that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets carried out a bombing campaign in the Tirah Valley, leaving several dead, with at least 20 bodies reportedly recovered from the rubble.

Demonstration spill in different parts of PoK

The unrest has spilled into other areas, including Dadyal, where the party accused authorities of creating humanitarian hardships. "The Dadyal administration has blocked the Plak Bridge, causing severe difficulties for patients and citizens traveling abroad. It should be noted that during the lockdown in the state, it was announced that roads would remain open for patients and those traveling to foreign countries, but this incompetent Anwar government administration has increased the difficulties for patients," PTI said.

In Muzaffarabad, the situation escalated dramatically when police reportedly opened fire on protesters, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuring more than 22 others. The tragic incident has further fueled public outrage and hardened the resolve of the protest movement.

In Kotli, multiple rallies gathered at a central chowk, with protesters expressing frustration at political efforts to undermine the movement. One participant said, "The sitting MNA of Kotli tried for days to derail this movement but failed."

Another stated, "People were threatened and intimidated, but today, everyone is standing firm for their rights. Last night was quiet, but today the streets are filled with noise and determination. Until the demands of the Joint Awami Action Committee are met, protests will continue with full force."

Reiterating accusations against the rival Muslim Conference , PTI alleged further violence. "Firing by the thugs of the Muslim (Criminal) Conference on unarmed and peaceful public under state patronage. As a result, four individuals were severely injured."

In Dadyal, the unrest has intensified further. "Thousands of people are present at a protest sit-in in Dadyal to demand their rights," PTI declared.

Meanwhile, protestors also gathered in Kotli District, defying restrictions. One of the demonstrators said, "We have reached Kotli District in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Rallies are reaching this district. The gathering is in response to the actions of the sitting members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) who had been meeting to strategize against the Action Committee's demands. Despite their efforts to impose a lockdown, the public has successfully congregated, demonstrating strong opposition."