Pakistan-occupied Kashmir protests: Man killed, another injured in fresh Rawalakot violence

Rawalakot: Fresh violence was reported in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Tuesday, with a young man killed and another injured in a shooting near a security checkpoint in Rawalakot.

The deceased was identified by local reports as Faizan Shan, a resident of Chak Dhamni in Rawalakot. The second man, who was travelling with him on a motorcycle, was reportedly injured and taken into custody by security personnel.

Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) alleged that Rangers personnel opened fire on the two motorcyclists near a checkpoint in the Rawalakot area. Residents subsequently gathered near the checkpoint, demanding that Faizan's body be handed over to his family.

The accounts could not be independently verified.
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Fresh protests erupt in PoK

Fresh protests were also reported in parts of PoK on Tuesday amid the continuing mobilisation by the JKJAAC. In Athmuqam in Neelum district, an account linked to the protest movement claimed that large numbers of men and women took to the streets following a call by the JKJAAC.

The account alleged that Pakistani security forces used firing and shelling to disperse protesters. 

The latest mobilisation came as the JKJAAC's protest movement, which has continued for more than 100 days, remained active across parts of PoK. The movement has held demonstrations, strikes and sit-ins over demands relating to political representation, governance, public services and economic rights.

The JKJAAC has previously called for protests and sit-ins in Rawalakot and other parts of the region, while authorities have banned the group under anti-terrorism laws and accused its members of involvement in violent activities. The group has rejected those allegations and describes its movement as a civil-rights campaign.

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PoJK rights situation raised at UNHRC

The reported shooting came amid renewed international attention on the human rights situation in PoK, which was raised at the 63rd session of the UNHRC in Geneva on Tuesday.

Political activist Jamil Maqsood alleged that Pakistani security forces had used excessive and lethal force against civilians since June 5. He also alleged killings, arbitrary detentions and restrictions on internet and mobile communications.

Maqsood told the Council that more than 100 civilians had reportedly been killed and that several bodies remained unaccounted for, particularly in Rawalakot. He called for accountability, humanitarian access, independent monitoring and restoration of communications.

The JKJAAC has separately documented allegations of civilian deaths, arrests, disappearances and restrictions on medical and humanitarian access following the unrest.

Pakistan-administered authorities have presented a different account of the unrest, accusing groups linked to the banned Action Committee of attacking police and disrupting public life. Earlier government statements have alleged that armed groups opened fire on civilians and security personnel in Rawalakot.