Over 30 Killed, 200 Injured As Security Forces Open Fire On JAAC Protesters In PoK After Ban

Violence swept across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after authorities banned a major civil society alliance, triggering deadly confrontations between protesters and security personnel. More than 30 people have reportedly lost their lives, while nearly 200 others have sustained injuries as unrest intensified across parts of the region.

The clashes erupted days after the administration declared the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) illegal, a move that further fuelled long-standing resentment over economic and political issues raised by the group.

Ban On JAAC Sparks Fresh Tensions

The Joint Awami Action Committee has been at the forefront of several protests in PoK, highlighting concerns related to governance, rising costs and political rights. Authorities outlawed the organisation on Friday, citing threats to public order and security.

The decision immediately drew criticism from supporters of the group, with tensions mounting across multiple areas. The situation deteriorated further after reports emerged of a trader being allegedly shot during an encounter with law enforcement personnel on Friday night.

His death became a rallying point for protesters and contributed to the growing anger directed at the authorities.

Rawalakot Becomes Centre Of Violent Confrontation

The most intense clashes were reported from the Rawalakot region, where large crowds gathered following the recent deaths linked to the protests.

According to police, JAAC supporters assembled outside a hospital mortuary on Sunday after the body of another member of the organisation was brought there. Officials said the deceased individual had died in police firing.

As emotions ran high, confrontations between demonstrators and security personnel quickly escalated, leading to further bloodshed.

Security Forces Open Fire During Protest

Authorities said security personnel attempted to disperse the gathering, but the situation spiralled into violence.

"As the result of the law enforcers' response, six protesters were killed," Sardar Waheed Khan, commissioner of the Poonch sector in the region, told news agency Reuters.

The commissioner's statement highlighted the severity of the operation as security agencies sought to regain control of the area amid widespread unrest.

Police Accuse Protesters Of Using Weapons

Law enforcement officials alleged that protesters responded aggressively when security forces moved against the crowd.

According to police, activists linked to the JAAC used automatic rifles, petrol bombs and other weapons to attack security personnel during the confrontation.

The latest violence marks one of the deadliest episodes of unrest in PoK in recent years. With casualties continuing to rise and tensions remaining high, concerns are growing over the possibility of further clashes in the region in the coming days.