Deadly clashes continue during protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
Teenagers as young as 15 have been among those killed or seriously injured in a sweeping crackdown on protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to a report by the BBC based on the accounts of residents, doctors and families from the protest hub of Rawalakot. The JAAC says the protests stem from the government’s failure to implement an agreement signed in October that promised relief on electricity prices and other public welfare issues.
“We only asked for affordable flour, electricity and our basic rights,” Ali, whose friend Shafqat Hussain was fatally shot, told the BBC. Asma, whose only son was killed, said: “We were only asking for our rights. Another resident, Salman, whose younger brother died during the protests, told the BBC: “He was the youngest in the family and was loved by everyone…
The demonstrations in Rawalakot by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have turned deadly amid an ongoing security operation. Families of those killed described the protests as a movement for basic rights, including affordable electricity, flour, education and healthcare. “Instead, our brothers are being killed. What was our crime? Why are live bullets being fired at us? We are not terrorists. She added, “He knew there were risks, but he believed standing up for justice was important. He used to say that dying for a just cause was an honour. I feel proud that he gave his life while standing up for the rights of the people. He was not fighting or attacking anyone.