Protests in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, 4 killed in violence

May 15, 2024 2:00 am

Pakistan-controlled Kashmir has become turbulent with thousands of people protesting against the increase in prices of daily commodities including flour, flour, and fuel. 4 people have been killed in the ongoing protests. Hundreds more were injured in this incident.

The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has declared Tuesday (May 14) as a black day in memory of the victims. British media BBC and Pakistani media Geo News reported this news.

Thousands of people took to the streets on the call of JAAC since last Friday to protest against inflation, price hike, rising revenue and power crisis. The protests intensified over the weekend. Internet and mobile services are suspended. Schools, public transport and businesses were also closed.

Authorities sent paramilitary Rangers to the regional capital Muzaffarabad to quell the protests on Monday. During this time they arrested several JAAC leaders and protestors. The protesters became more angry in this incident.

Footage of the protest showed both sides hitting each other with rods at one point. Rangers opened fire and fired tear gas at the protesters.

Authorities said one of the four dead was a police officer. At least three of them died of gunshot wounds, a doctor at Pakistan’s Combined Military Hospital said.

The central government of Pakistan held a meeting with JAAC on Monday regarding the situation. At this time, the Islamabad government announced a package of 23 billion rupees to subsidize the price of flour and electricity. However, the situation did not calm down immediately.

However, the JAAC leaders announced the withdrawal of the ongoing protest as their demands were accepted. However, they will hold a strike till 3 pm on Tuesday to honor those killed in the protest. They declared the day as black day.

India and Pakistan have been in conflict for more than 70 years over Kashmir.