The incident follows earlier violence on Sunday in the same city, where 11 people were killed and over 70 injured during clashes between paramilitary forces and protesters.
Commuters ride past security personnel as they patrol a street ahead of a protest by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir on June 7, 2026. Members of a protest movement in Pakistan-administered Kashmir said they would hold demonstrations on June 9, days after the local government banned the group under anti-terror laws.
New Delhi: Sixteen civilians were killed and 37 others injured in firing by Pakistani Army personnel during protests in Rawalakot city of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Thursday, according to intelligence agency inputs.
The incident follows earlier violence on Sunday in the same city, where 11 people were killed and over 70 injured during clashes between paramilitary forces and protesters.
“Since Friday, 53 civilians have lost their lives in the ongoing crackdown on protests across PoK,” intelligence inputs said.
According to the agencies, the firing took place at Idgah Ground where a large number of protesters had gathered. “Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) on Thursday witnessed another tragic day of bloodshed as Pakistani Army personnel and Rangers opened fire on thousands of unarmed protesters gathered at the city’s Eidgah Ground,” the inputs stated.
The protests were organised by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a coalition of civil and traders’ groups, over issues including rising prices of essential commodities and electricity.
Protests were also reported from other areas. In Khai Gala village, residents shut markets and staged demonstrations against the killings, with women, children and elderly persons participating.
Despite the violence, protesters continued their agitation. Addressing the gathering, JAAC leader Sardar Aman Khan said the movement would continue despite casualties.
The protests have also raised political demands, including the abolition of 12 refugee-designated seats in the PoK Legislative Assembly. Protesters have questioned the representation of individuals who do not reside in the region.
Intelligence inputs further alleged that these seats remain under the influence of the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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