Violent confrontations between security forces and protesters have gripped Rawalakot in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with demonstrators demanding access to affordable flour, electricity, and other basic rights. The clashes have resulted in deaths, with families of the victims stating their loved ones were shot while protesting peacefully.
The Jammu and Kashmir Coordination Committee (JAAC), a group advocating for these rights, claims an agreement signed in October with the Pakistani and regional governments has not been implemented. The group, which was banned in June and labeled as foreign-funded terrorists, rejects this characterization, asserting their peaceful intentions and stating that while they receive funding from the Pakistani diaspora abroad, they are not sponsored by India.
Local authorities, however, contend that the JAAC is armed and is attempting to disrupt ongoing local polls. They have stated their refusal to permit protesters to march to the regional capital, Muzaffarabad. Internet access has been restricted, and roads have been blocked or heavily guarded, making it difficult to obtain information from the region.
Families of those killed at the protests have spoken out about their loss. One mother recounted being at the protest herself when she learned her son had been shot, emphasizing, "We are not terrorists." Another individual, Salman, described his brother as the youngest and most loved in their family, expressing pride that he died "standing up for the rights of the people."
Ayub, a former member of the armed forces, attributed the crackdown to the regional government in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, stating they were responsible for calling in paramilitary forces. He drew parallels to martial law periods in Pakistan's history but found the current situation to be an unprecedented injustice. "My son had done nothing wrong. None of the protesters had done anything wrong," he stated.
