Pakistani forces open fire at women protesters in PoK's Kotli, videos go viral
Islamabad, July 30
Police and local authorities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have now begun targeting women as they continue their brutal crackdown on civilians in the occupied region demanding basic rights. Several videos went viral on social media Thursday showing women protesters running desperately to save their lives as local police unleashed terror and opened fire on a peaceful protest rally in PoK's Kotli.
The women protesters had gathered in large numbers and were shouting slogans against the brutality of Pakistani forces in Rawalakot and Mirpur when policemen started firing.
"We have come out to support our brothers. We want to tell them we are with them. We are ready to take a stand with them. Those who are firing at us, I want to tell you, we are not scared of anything," said a woman.
The shocking crackdown by Pakistani security forces on protesters in PoK over the past three days has resulted in death of over 40 people till now and injured dozens. Analysts reckon that the number of locals who have lost their lives since the protests began could have crossed 125 or more.
Citing reports, the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) on Wednesday said that around 40 civilians were killed, while several others were injured and arbitrarily arrested between July 27 and 28 in Rawalakot, Mirpur, and other areas of the occupied territory.
Expressing grave concern, the group alleged that more than 100 people have been killed since June 5, several hundred have been critically injured, and hundreds have reportedly been subjected to enforced disappearance by the Pakistani security forces.
Condemning the atrocities by Pakistani forces, the UKPNP said that the "use of excessive or unlawful force against peaceful civilians would constitute serious violations of international human rights law and may amount to crimes under international law."
The group called on the UN, the European Union and the wider international community to take immediate steps to "help protect civilians, support impartial and independent investigations into the reported incidents, and encourage respect for international human rights obligations."
Over the past three days, several videos were posted on social media handles, including that of the Joint Awami Action Committee, showing the brutality of Pakistani forces.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has defended Islamabad's brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters in PoK, saying he considers the demonstrators as "enemies like India".
"I put them (protesters) in the same category as India and consider them also as enemies like India," Asif said in a video that has surfaced on social media platform X.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I feel very sad seeing these videos. Women running for their lives, children crying—this is humanity's failure. But we must also remember that the people of PoK have the same rights as anyone else. Why can't Pakistan treat them with dignity? I hope the UN does something, but given the past, I'm not holding my breath. 😢
Respect to these brave women who are standing up against tyranny. Pakistani forces have always been brutal towards their own people—look at Balochistan, look at Sindh, and now PoK. Then they call us "enemies"? Brother, the real enemy is the oppression of basic human rights. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
It's very disturbing to see this. Over 40 dead in just three days and possibly 125 since June—these are not just numbers, they are fathers, mothers, children. The Pakistani Defence Minister's comments are utterly shameful. How can you compare your own citizens to an enemy? This is dictatorship, plain and simple. I pray for peace and justice.
While I condemn the violence, I think we need to be careful about how we frame this. The people in PoK are Pakistani citizens, and their struggle is an internal matter. That said, opening fire on women protesters is absolutely unacceptable under any circumstances. The international community should investigate. Also, calling protesters "enemies like India" only fuels more hatred. Disappointing all around.
Look at the courage of those women! They are saying "we are not scared of anything." Meanwhile, Pakistan's Defence Minister
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.