A civilian was killed on Friday, allegedly by fire from Pakistani security forces, in the Raira Tehsil of Bagh District, Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The deceased has been identified as Ashfaq, son of Sharif, a resident of Rami Kot.
According to local journalist Murad Anwar, the incident occurred on Friday afternoon when protesters, responding to a call by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), advanced towards Raira Bazaar. During this time, security forces allegedly opened fire and used tear gas against the protesters.
An employee at the District Headquarters Hospital in Bagh, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that a man—approximately 26 years old—was brought to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the head but succumbed to his injuries.
A transport and business shutdown strike has been ongoing in Raira Tehsil for the past four days following the call by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee. Local leaders of the committee had announced the previous day that a protest would be held in Raira Bazaar after Friday prayers.
According to local journalist Murad Anwar, by 3:00 PM on Friday, security forces had withdrawn towards Bagh, while protesters were staging a demonstration with the body of the deceased. All traffic on the inter-district highway remains suspended following the incident.
Meanwhile, Abid Shaheen, a core member of JKJAC, condemned the incident, stating that bullets are being fired at unarmed and peaceful citizens—an act they strongly denounce. He affirmed, “We will fight to the very end.”
Regarding the future course of action, Shaheen stated that the authority to decide on or issue a call for further protests rests with the local action committee of Tehsil Rera.
So far, neither the district administration nor the district police has issued an official press release or statement regarding the incident. An official response concerning the alleged firing by security forces is also still awaited.
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