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Pakistan launches manhunt for four PoK protesters after crackdown killing 19 kids, 7 pregnant women
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) administration launched a search operation for four protesters and announced a bounty of Rs 1 crore for information leading to the arrest of leaders linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) after massive protests in region, according to a report by Dawn. PoK authorities have also ordered sedition proceedings against two JAAC leaders.
The crackdown that led Pakistan security forces to open fire killed 26 people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Amid escalating unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), an intelligence dossier has detailed systematic violence by Pakistani security forces between June 5 and June 9.
According to the report, the violence was triggered by the Barmang Bridge shooting.
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The dossier claims the Pakistani military targeted the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a group campaigning for economic reforms, and banned it under anti-terrorism laws. It further alleges that tensions intensified following the killing of JAAC leader Shahzaib Habib.
While official figures put the death toll at 11, the dossier claims that 19 children and seven pregnant women were among those killed during the period.
The development comes days after at least 50 British MPs wrote to the UK government, urging it to intervene over what they described as Pakistan’s “barbaric” actions against Kashmiri protesters and raising concerns about human rights violations.
PoK authorities have also ordered sedition proceedings against two JAAC leaders.
The violence erupted in PoK’s Mirpur division as protesters from several areas, including the Bhimber and Kotli districts, gathered for a march towards Muzaffarabad. Hundreds of people assembled in and around the Quaid-i-Azam Stadium in Mirpur before the rally began.
The protests and strike caused major disruption across the region. The authorities in PoK suspended internet and mobile network services, while cities, towns and villages observed a complete shutdown. Banks, medical stores and other essential facilities also remained closed in several areas.
India on Tuesday condemned the incident of violence against protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Responding to the situation, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had observed “a pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan” in connection with the protests. “It is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to cover up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses,” he said.
Jaiswal also referred to reports of excessive force being used against civilians in PoK.
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“There are reports of severe police brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in which several people have been killed and many injured. We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses,” he added.
His remarks came as tensions continued to rise across PoK following deadly clashes between protesters and Pakistani security forces. A shutdown strike remained in place in several areas, while the communication services had been disrupted after violence in Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad.