At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured during protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to organisers and rights groups, who accuse Pakistani forces of using live ammunition during the crackdown.
Islamabad: At least 20 people were killed and dozens more were injured after Pakistani security forces allegedly opened fire on protesters during a Long March organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to the organisers. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll may increase.
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, JAAC said that caravans participating in the Long March had reached Rawalakot city despite the violence.
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According to the organisation, the identities of 19 deceased individuals had been confirmed, while another victim, who reportedly sustained a bullet wound to the head, could not be immediately identified because he was not carrying identification documents.
JAAC stated that the death toll had reached at least 20 and added that further details would emerge once daylight returned and communication services were restored.
The organisation also said protesters had gathered at Chandni Chowk in Rawalakot and planned to hold a meeting at Shahid Chowk to decide their next course of action.
Protest followed breakdown of talks
The Long March was launched after negotiations between JAAC and Pakistani authorities reportedly failed to produce an agreement.
The march began from the Mirpur Division on Sunday, with multiple protest caravans converging in Rawalakot before moving towards Muzaffarabad on Monday. The demonstrations are part of a broader movement demanding political and economic reforms in the region.
The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) condemned the reported crackdown and urged the international community to intervene.
Citing reports from the ground, the organisation alleged that Pakistani security forces launched a violent operation against peaceful protesters in Rawalakot on Monday evening, using live ammunition, heavy shelling, tear gas and other forms of force.
The group warned that shelling and the use of live ammunition were continuing, increasing the risk of further civilian casualties.
UKPNP called on the United Nations, international human rights organisations and democratic governments to press Pakistan to immediately halt the use of live ammunition, shelling and excessive force against civilians.
Background: Protests intensify across PoK
The latest violence comes amid months of unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where protests have challenged Islamabad's administration over a range of political, economic and governance issues.
According to protest groups, Pakistani authorities have responded with curfews, communication blackouts, arrests and security operations aimed at dispersing demonstrations. Pakistan has previously defended its actions as necessary to maintain law and order, although the latest allegations had not been independently verified at the time of reporting.
Last month, India criticised Pakistan over its handling of the protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Responding to questions during a weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal referred to reports of police brutality in the region and said several people had been killed and many others injured.
"We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses," Jaiswal said, while accusing Pakistan of attempting to divert attention from alleged human rights violations in the region.
Published: 28 Jul 2026, 01:51 pm IST
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