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Rawalkot [PoJK]July 27 (ANI): Protestors in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) on Monday strongly condemned the indiscriminate firing by the Pakistan Army on protesters in Rawalakot. The incident occurred as thousands of people were preparing to march towards Muzaffarabad after talks between the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and authorities failed.

These claims have come at a time when tension has increased in the region during the 52-day-long protest movement. The protesters are demanding the release of those detained, withdrawal of cases against the protesters and acceptance of their broader demands.

Eyewitness described the horrifying scene

Describing the situation in Rawalakot, leading social media influencer Akeel Bhai, who said he had witnessed the violence with his own eyes, appealed to the international community and media to draw attention to these incidents. He said the number of casualties had left protesters and emergency services helpless.

Akil Bhai said in a video message, "Friends, the situation has become very serious. Rawalakot is filled with dead bodies and injured. For God's sake, stand with us right now; please, stand with us. I have just escaped to save my life. I no longer care about my life. After seeing so many brothers martyred, I have come here to plead with you with folded hands. Please have some conscience; all the international media who are watching - please Support us. We are a peaceful people. Our shoulders are tired of carrying countless dead bodies."

He further described the incident which he described as one of the most traumatic moments during the violence. He said, "A brother came and squeezed his handkerchief, and what dripped from it was the blood of Kashmiris, brother! That was the blood of Kashmiris! This is the situation here. I have seen people dying - being martyred - before my eyes. The situation has become terrible; it has become very serious indeed."

Appeal for international intervention

Calling for international attention, Aqil Bhai urged global media organizations and human rights groups to intervene, and claimed that local resources were struggling to deal with the casualties. He said, "Tag the international media and the whole world – get this message out! We are running out of ambulances and vehicles. People are trying to carry their injured themselves – holding them from all sides – and the streets are covered in blood!"

He also accused authorities of using force against protesters and criticized the continued crackdown on the movement. He further said, "These tyrants have killed us today with our own tax money. It is not just today; they have been doing this for a very long time... They have been killing us continuously since June 5. Have some shame! Have some shame! Have some shame - you shameless people, have some shame! What have we ever taken from you? If you have taken anything, you have taken from us - you have eaten the fruits of our hard-earned money."

Another protester claimed that at least 15 to 20 people were injured by bullets in the incident. The protester said, "More than 15-20 people have been injured. 15 to 20 people have been shot."

In another video shared, Aqeel Bhai again appealed to the international media and human rights organizations, saying that several protesters have been killed or injured in the violence. He said, "They have martyred countless of our brothers; they have wounded them... There is nothing but blood on this road, right here! They are shooting our brothers! What a farce is this? You live on our money! You are using our tax money to buy the bullets with which you are killing us, you tyrants!"

He urged international organizations to intervene immediately. He said, "International media! Brothers, the whole world! Human rights organizations! Where have you all disappeared? Where are you? Where are you? Come here! Come here! There is still time – come here! Come here! Come here – these tyrants are killing us! These tyrants are killing us!"

March started after talks failed

The march towards Muzaffarabad began after talks between JAAC and officials failed to resolve the existing standoff. Earlier, the JAAC had given time until 1:00 pm on 27 July for the authorities to issue an official notification accepting their demands, and warned that failure to do so would result in thousands of protesters marching from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad. As no agreement was reached, thousands of people gathered in Rawalakot and started the march.

Protestors mobilized under the banner of JAAC are continuing demonstrations and street marches across PoJK, demanding the release of detained activists, withdrawal of cases against protesters and implementation of the committee's broader demands.

Impact of protests on elections

These developments coincide with the first phase of voting in 13 constituencies in PoJK's Mirpur division, with some observers suggesting that a peaceful electoral process could have created space for renewed talks between the government and protesters. However, the election process was also marred by reports of violence from Kotli and allegations of election rigging.

Political parties have reported considerable difficulties in running election campaigns due to the prolonged strikes and demonstrations. Public meetings, rallies and door-to-door campaigns have been disrupted, while the apparent lack of public interest in elections across PoJK has further cooled political activity.

Adding to the uncertainty over the electoral process, assembly elections in the two districts of Sudhnoti and Rawalkot have been postponed to August 10 due to the ongoing protest movement. (ANI)