The Pakistani Army opened indiscriminate fire on protesters in Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) on Monday. At least five people died and 30 people were injured. The firing took place when thousands of people were preparing to march towards Muzaffarabad after talks broke down between the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and the authorities.
going on for 52 days protests Tension increased in the area, with protesters demanding the release of detained people, withdrawal of cases against the protesters and acceptance of their major demands.
On the other hand, another protester claimed that at least 15 to 30 people were injured by bullets during the incident. The protester said, “More than 15-30 people have been injured.”
JAAC had given ultimatum
The march towards Muzaffarabad began after talks between JAAC and officials failed to resolve the ongoing deadlock. Earlier, JAAC had set a deadline of 1:00 pm on July 27 for the authorities to issue an official notification to accept their demands, and warned that failing which thousands of protesters would march from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad.
After this, thousands of people gathered in Rawalakot and started marching as no agreement was reached. Protestors gathered under the banner of JAAC continued demonstrations and road marches in PoJK demanding the release of detained activists, withdrawal of cases against the protesters and implementation of the committee’s major demands.
There is an uproar regarding the elections
The development coincided with the first phase of voting in 13 constituencies in Mirpur division of PoJK. Some experts say that a peaceful electoral process could have created scope for fresh talks between the government and the protesters. However, reports of violence from Kotli and allegations of election rigging also affected the election process.
Due to the long strike and demonstrations, political parties have said that there are many difficulties in campaigning. Public meetings, rallies and door-to-door campaigning have come to a halt, while political activities in PoJK have further reduced due to low interest in elections in PoJK.
Adding to the uncertainty over the election process, the assembly elections in Sudhanoti and Rawalakot districts have been postponed till August 10 due to the ongoing protests.
Read this also- Boil continues in PoJK: Protests continue for 17th day, more than 50 thousand people gathered in Rawalakot
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