At least 16 people were killed and more than 37 others injured on Thursday after the Pakistani army allegedly opened fire on thousands of unarmed protesters gathered at Eidgah Ground in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The demonstrators had assembled to demand affordable flour, rice, electricity, and basic civic rights when the peaceful protest reportedly turned into a deadly confrontation.
According to reports, between 60,000 and 70,000 people had gathered in Rawalakot to voice their concerns over rising economic hardships and deteriorating living conditions. Witnesses claimed that security forces opened fire on the crowd without warning, triggering panic and chaos among the protesters.
The incident left scenes of devastation across the region. Blood-stained roads and fields, overwhelmed medical facilities, and grieving families searching for missing relatives painted a grim picture of the violence that unfolded. Men, women, and young people who had joined the rally to demand economic relief suddenly found themselves fleeing for safety amid gunfire.
The tragedy in Rawalakot is part of a broader crackdown on protests across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. According to local accounts, 53 civilians have reportedly lost their lives since Friday in various demonstrations and clashes across the region. The rising death toll has intensified anger among residents, many of whom accuse authorities of using excessive force against peaceful protesters.
Families of the victims continue to mourn their losses, while hospitals remain crowded with those injured in the latest violence. The deaths have sparked widespread concern about the handling of public dissent and the deteriorating human rights situation in the region.
The killings have triggered a wave of protests across PoK. In Khai Gala village, residents shut down markets and organized marches condemning the violence. Women, children, and elderly citizens joined demonstrations, demanding accountability for the deaths and justice for the victims.
Protesters raised slogans expressing their anger at the security forces, including the chant, “Ye jo dehshatgardi hai, iske peeche wardi hai” (This terrorism is being carried out by those in uniform), which has emerged as a rallying cry for the movement.
Despite the deadly crackdown, demonstrators have vowed to continue their struggle. Thousands reportedly remain gathered in Rawalakot, determined to press for economic relief, affordable essential commodities, lower electricity costs, and greater political rights.
Addressing supporters after the shootings, movement leader Sardar Aman Khan said the movement had entered a decisive phase and pledged that the campaign would continue despite the loss of lives. He emphasized that the protesters were not armed and were simply seeking basic necessities and a dignified standard of living.
“The people are asking for affordable food, affordable electricity, and fundamental rights,” he reportedly told the gathering, asserting that the movement would not be silenced by force.
As funerals take place across Rawalakot and surrounding areas, the region remains engulfed in grief and anger. The violence has highlighted the growing frustrations of residents struggling with economic challenges and demanding greater accountability from authorities.
For many in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the events in Rawalakot have become a symbol of the human cost of suppressing peaceful protests. With tensions remaining high and demonstrations continuing, the situation is likely to remain a major point of concern in the days ahead.
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