Violent Protests Erupt in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir After Cop is ‘Lynched’ and Civilians Killed

Protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces, leading to disruptions in normal life and business activities. The Awami Action Committee (AAC) initiated protests against inflation in various parts of PoK, which resulted in a crackdown by Pakistani security forces.

The protests, which began on Friday, turned violent when police used tear gas shelling near residential areas and mosques, sparking clashes with the demonstrators. The AAC called for a peaceful protest against high taxes, electricity bills, and inflation, but the situation quickly escalated into violence.

As a result, markets, schools, and offices in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) remained closed for the second consecutive day. The AAC vowed to continue their protests against the crackdown on their peaceful demonstrations, leading to strikes in multiple parts of PoK.

Videos and photos circulating on social media showed police using batons and tear gas to disperse protestors, resulting in injuries to both police personnel and demonstrators. PoK activist Amjad Ayub Mirza reported that at least two civilians were killed in the clashes, with one police SHO allegedly lynched by protesters.

Mirza called for intervention by the Indian government, urging them to focus on facilitating the independence of PoK, including Gilgit-Baltistan. The situation in PoK remains tense, with calls for peaceful protests escalating into violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces.