Massive unrest has erupted across Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir (PoK), where thousands of residents gathered in Muzaffarabad on Wednesday to protest against what they describe as Pakistan’s brutal crackdown on peaceful demonstrators. The protests, among the largest seen in the region in recent years, were triggered by growing anger over governance failures, economic hardship, and political marginalisation.
Tensions escalated sharply after Pakistani Rangers allegedly opened fire on protesters in Rawalakot and Sudhanoti, killing nine people. Reports from local officials and activists suggest that over 30 people have died in recent days as security forces intensify operations. More than 16,000 security personnel have been deployed across PoK, with widespread arrests, restrictions on public gatherings, and a region‑wide internet shutdown that has left residents cut off from reliable information.
The protest movement, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), began over rising inflation, electricity shortages, and demands for political representation. The immediate trigger, however, was a Supreme Court ruling affirming that 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment. Protesters argue that these seats dilute the political voice of local residents and distort governance.
Adding to tensions, intelligence reports indicate Pakistani authorities may attempt to infiltrate militants from Lashkar‑e‑Taiba (LeT) and Jaish‑e‑Mohammed (JeM) into the demonstrations. The alleged plan aims to provoke clashes, create chaos, and portray the civilian movement as having a “terrorist angle,” potentially justifying harsher crackdowns.
Despite the pressure, protests continue to grow, with diaspora groups rallying internationally and calling for global attention to what they describe as a humanitarian crisis in PoK.