Rawalakot rally marks 40th day of unrest as India accuses Pakistan of “systemic exploitation” amid deadly crackdown.
Tensions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir sharpened further as protest leader Sardar Aman Khan told a massive crowd at Rawalakot’s Eidgah Ground that the territory is not “Azad” or contested, but under outright occupation by Pakistan a direct challenge to Islamabad’s official position.
The rally comes as demonstrations across the region enter their sixth week, with residents accusing Pakistani authorities of deliberately worsening living conditions. Khan alleged that essential food and medicine supplies have been choked off for roughly three weeks, describing the situation as a humanitarian emergency, and appealed for support from both sides of the Line of Control, including India.
The unrest has turned lethal. A day before the rally, six civilians were reportedly killed when Pakistani forces opened fire during clashes, among them Zahid Mughal, Zafar Mughal, Arsalan Akbar, and Wajid Hayat. Khan has previously suggested that continued restrictions could push residents to seek assistance from India, and at the latest rally he asked the crowd whether they should march toward the Line of Control, drawing enthusiastic chants of support.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs weighed in, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal describing the unrest as the outcome of Pakistan’s long-running exploitation and denial of rights in the region. New Delhi accused Islamabad of responding to legitimate grievances with police brutality, supply blockades, internet shutdowns, and lethal force, and called on the international community to hold Pakistan accountable
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