1 month ago
Pakistani Forces Fire on Women Protesters in PoK
In July 2024, women in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) gathered to protest for their rights.
Pakistani security forces opened fire on them in several towns, killing and injuring many.
Over 40 civilians died, and dozens were hurt.
The protests were against a planned election and for basic freedoms.
India and human‑rights groups called for an investigation and said the violence was too harsh.
Pakistani security forces fired on women protesters in Rawalakot, Kotli, Mirpur, and Muzaffarabad, killing and injuring dozens.
More than 40 civilians have died and dozens injured, with some reports suggesting the death toll could exceed 125.
Protesters are demanding basic rights and opposing upcoming legislative assembly elections in PoK.
Indian officials have urged international scrutiny and independent investigations into the alleged atrocities.
Human rights groups, including the UN Human Rights Commission and Amnesty International, have condemned the violence and called it a potential crime under international law.
- Who
- Pakistani security forces, women protesters, Indian officials, human rights groups
- What
- Fire on women protesters and crackdown on civil demonstrations
- Where
- Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Rawalakot, Kotli, Mirpur, Muzaffarabad
- When
- July 27-28, 2024 and ongoing
- Why
- Protesters demand basic rights and oppose upcoming elections; Pakistani forces claim they are targeting enemies
Key facts
- Event
- Fire on women protesters in PoK
- Deaths
- Over 40 civilians
- Injuries
- Dozens
- Location
- Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Rawalakot, Kotli, Mirpur, Muzaffarabad)
- Date
- July 27-28, 2024
- Responding Parties
- India, UN, Amnesty International
Quotes
Mr Randhir Jaiswal
Spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs
“"The Pakistani establishment continues to unleash ruthless force against peaceful civilians in PoJK. This crackdown has resulted in the tragic death of over 40 civilians and serious injuries to many."”
deccanchronicle.com
“"I put them (protesters) in the same category as India and consider them also as enemies like India."”
thehansindia.com
Joint Awami Action Committee of the PoK
Local protest group in PoK
“"In just two days, Pakistani forces have brutally killed 38 peaceful Kashmiri protesters. This is not law enforcement, it is a massacre of unarmed civilians demanding their basic rights."”
deccanchronicle.com
“"In Muzaffarabad, the rule of the resistance fighters, having driven out the killers and their facilitators, brings the reign of the resistance fighters to the streets of Muzaffarabad."”
deccanchronicle.com
Unnamed woman protester
Woman protester in Kotli
“"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."”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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