Five more people were killed and several injured in firing and shelling by Pakistani forces during the aggression and crackdown on unarmed protesters in Poonch division of Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, three of whom are in critical condition, while the situation has become extremely tense.
It should be remembered that more than 30 people have been killed so far in Kashmir due to the blockade and crackdown by the forces for more than a month, which is being described as a state strategy of genocide, while hundreds of people have been arrested and missing, and public sit-ins are ongoing in several areas.
According to a Kashgal News correspondent, the deaths of unarmed protesters occurred due to intense aggression during the advance of the forces towards the bus terminal sit-in in Baloch tehsil of Sidhnoti and Rawalakot.
There has been no official confirmation yet. However, according to local sources, the convoy of forces from Kotli Sarsawa was marching towards Baloch. Local citizens tried to stop these forces in Saran and Baloch, as a result of which the forces opened fire on the protesters.
According to local sources, as a result of the firing by the forces, candidates for the Legislative Assembly Zahid Yasin, Zafar Mughal, Arsalan Kabir, and Ehsanullah died on the spot due to bullet injuries.
Several people were also injured as a result of the firing, including Rakib Abid and Ijaz, who were seriously injured. Rakib Abid received two bullet injuries and has been referred to Rawalpindi.
The second incident took place during the security forces’ operation at the protest sit-in at the bus terminal in Rawalakot.
According to local sources, Wajid Hayat, a resident of Son Topa, was injured by a bullet as a result of the firing by the security forces, who later succumbed to his injuries.
According to local residents, in addition to firing from heavy and small arms, tear gas was also fired, as a result of which two youths were injured.
The other injured youth, Nasir, has been shifted to Palandri Hospital after receiving first aid.
It is being said that the situation in Poonch division is extremely tense after these incidents.
No information is being provided at the official level, however, according to local sources, curfew has also been imposed in Tarakhal.
Roadblocks have been set up at various places, while security forces are patrolling the cities. There are also reports of severe traffic disruption in several areas.
So far, no official confirmation or detailed statement has been issued by the government, district administration or relevant security agencies about the deaths and other incidents.
It should be noted that the Jammu Kashmir Joint Public Action Committee has announced a long march towards Muzaffarabad on July 15.
The internet has been shut down in the area for the past one and a half months, and the complete blockade of the area by the forces has led to a severe shortage of food and medicines.
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