Violent protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) have left at least 10 people dead and dozens injured, sparking strong condemnation from political leaders and rights groups. Streets in Muzaffarabad and other towns turned into battlegrounds as thousands of residents staged demonstrations against corruption, inflated privileges of politicians, and lack of basic amenities. Security forces responded with tear gas and gunfire, leaving roads “stained with blood and littered with bullet casings,” AFP reported.
Jamil Maqsood, leader of the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP), launched a scathing attack on Islamabad during an interaction with ANI in Geneva. Calling Pakistan a “rogue state,” he accused authorities of silencing dissent through violence and denying fundamental rights in PoJK, Balochistan, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “The people have realised they are not ready to live with Pakistan. The major aspiration is to reunite with the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir,” Maqsood said.
The unrest has seen mobile and internet services cut off, while local media face pressure not to report on the protests. Demonstrators have vowed to continue their movement despite heavy security clampdowns. “People are not ready to be silenced,” Maqsood declared.
About The Author
