Pakistani forces face public resistance as fresh clashes erupt in PoJK's Dera Eidgah
Muzaffarabad Jun, e 11
Tensions escalated sharply in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir as reports emerged of renewed clashes between residents and Pakistani Rangers in the Dera Eidgah area, despite indications that negotiations had been underway overnight.
In a post shared on X, Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and accounts from residents, intense gunfire was heard across the Dera Eidgah region for an extended period during the morning hours. The firing reportedly continued even after discussions were believed to have taken place between authorities and community representatives late Wednesday night.
Residents said mosque loudspeakers were used to make announcements urging people to gather at the Eidgah amid the rapidly worsening situation. The calls prompted large numbers of locals to assemble in the area as concerns mounted over the movement of security forces.
Witnesses alleged that Pakistani Rangers advanced toward the university area, commonly referred to as the Tarar Campus. Residents reportedly attempted to block their movement, leading to confrontations that included shelling and live firing. The situation quickly intensified as security personnel moved deeper into the locality.
According to local sources, Rangers reached the office of the Sudhan Education Conference and allegedly attempted to dig up a section of the road. However, residents claimed they organised resistance and succeeded in forcing the security forces to withdraw. Witnesses reported that Ranger vehicles subsequently retreated toward Chinar Hotel Chowk following the confrontation.
The clashes reportedly left several individuals injured, although no official casualty figures were immediately available. Residents also reported hearing ambulance sirens moving through the area, indicating that emergency services were responding to the incident.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International strongly condemned Pakistan's sweeping crackdown on protests in PoJK, accusing authorities of using excessive force, suppressing dissent, and violating fundamental human rights ahead of upcoming regional elections. Amnesty criticised the decision to designate the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) as a "proscribed organisation" under anti-terrorism legislation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartbreaking to see yet another instance of security forces cracking down on civilians. The use of live ammunition and shelling near a university area is deeply concerning. Amnesty International's statement about excessive force is spot on.
The irony is thick. Pakistan claims to fight for Kashmiri rights, but look at how they treat their own people in PoJK. Digging up roads, firing on civilians, declaring peaceful protest groups as terrorists. Kya baat hai! The world should see this hypocrisy.
While I understand the Indian perspective on Kashmir, it's important to focus on the human rights violations here. Civilians using mosque loudspeakers to organize resistance because they feel threatened by their own government's forces? That's a red flag for any democracy.
I hope this incident gets international attention. The Sudhan Education Conference office being targeted is symbolic—they're attacking educational institutions. PoJK deserves better than this brutality. Jaago Pakistan! Your people are suffering.
Respectful criticism: While I share concerns about human rights, we must also acknowledge that any government might see a protest group as a threat if it's mobilizing crowds via mosque loudspeakers. But the use of shelling and live rounds is excessive. Both sides should de-escalate.
N We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.