The Pakistan-occupied Kashmir administration has launched a manhunt for four protesters and announced a reward of Rs 1 crore for information leading to the arrest of leaders linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) after massive protests in the region, according to a report by Dawn newspaper.The PKK authorities also ordered provocative measures against two JAAC leaders.Read also- 19 children and 7 pregnant women killed in PoK shooting: IntelA crackdown that prompted Pakistani security forces to open fire left 26 people dead in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.Amid escalating unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, an intelligence file detailed systematic violence committed by Pakistani security forces from June 5 to 9. According to the report, the violence broke out due to the shooting at Barmanj Bridge.The file alleges that the Pakistani military targeted the Awami Joint Action Committee, a group calling for economic reforms, and banned it under anti-terrorism laws. It further claims that tensions intensified after the killing of JAAC leader Shehzeb Habib.While official figures put the death toll at 11, the file claims that 19 children and seven pregnant women were among those killed during this period.
The report also claims that Pakistan deployed around 14,000 mainland troops, imposed a complete communications blackout, and used live ammunition against unarmed mourners and civilian convoys.This development comes days after at least 50 British MPs sent a letter to the UK government, urging it to intervene regarding what they described as “barbaric” Pakistani actions against Kashmiri demonstrators, and raising concerns about human rights violations.The PKK authorities also ordered provocative measures against two JAAC leaders.Violence erupted in the PKK’s Mirpur district when protesters from several districts, including Pember and Kotli districts, gathered to march towards Muzaffarabad. Hundreds of people gathered in and around Quaid-e-Azam Stadium in Mirpur before the rally began.Protests and strikes caused major unrest across the region.
Authorities in Buk suspended internet services and mobile phone networks, while cities, towns and villages saw a complete lockdown. Banks, medical stores and other basic facilities also remained closed in several areas.India on Tuesday condemned the violence against demonstrators in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.In response to the situation, MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had observed “a pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan” in relation to the protests.
He added: “It is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to cover up its failures and divert attention from its human rights violations.”Jaiswal also pointed to reports of the use of excessive force against civilians in PoK.He added: “There are reports of severe police brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in which many people were killed and many injured. We hope that the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and violations.”His remarks came as tensions continued to rise across PoK in the wake of deadly clashes between protesters and Pakistani security forces. The strike is still ongoing in several areas, while telecommunications services have been disrupted following violence in Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad.
