Seven people killed, over 60 injured in PoK protests
At least seven persons were killed and dozens were wounded as violent clashes erupted between police and a banned protest group in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Monday. The protests mainly occurred in the city of Rawalakot and the entire region continued to remain in a state of severe tension, reported news agency AFP.
"Three civilians died and 40 people suffered serious injuries," said Commissioner Sardar Waheed, Rawalakot's chief civilian official. The police department, in a separate statement, reported that four police personnel also died in the riots while they were attempting to maintain law and order, while 23 were injured.
The ban was imposed just ahead of JAAC demonstration.
The riot occurred a day ahead of protests organized by Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which was banned recently by administration saying the group poses serious threat to public order and security.
Reasons for protest and people's demands.
Protest, organized for Tuesday is mainly to condemn recent incidents including a popular leader of JAAC was gunned down by security forces and ban and internet shutdown.
Also the public in the area has been complaining for a long time of power shortage, soaring prices, employment, abuse of natural resources, political marginalization, etc.
Besides, 12 seats reserved for refugees have also been questioned; these are allegedly being used by Pakistani government to exert political authority on PoK.
Additional forces and internet suspension.
Sources claim that telecom and internet services in PoK has been suspended fully and a large chunk of armed troops from Pakistan Rangers and Federal Police in Pakistan have been dispatched to prevent protest in Muzaffarabad.
With rising tensions and concerns over the situation in PoK, American citizens visiting the territory have been cautioned and advised to "exercise extreme vigilance" and avoid crowds by the US Embassy in Islamabad. A travel advisory too has been issued by local administration advising tourists to avoid travelling to the area between June 5 and June 20, on security grounds.
