3 weeks ago
British national reportedly shot dead in PoK clashes
A man who lived in England was visiting Kashmir, a region in South Asia.
While he was near his house, people nearby were holding a protest.
Soldiers and police came to the area, and during the confusion the man was badly hurt by a bullet and sadly passed away.
His family says he was not part of the protest at all.
They were scared to ask for help because they worried they might get in trouble.
Many people in the area are upset and want their leaders to make changes.
The government says the protest group is dangerous and turned off phones and internet in the region.
Some people say many others were also hurt during the protests.
The government says those reports are not true.
It is a very sad and complicated situation.
Mohammad Akhtar, a 50-year-old British national from Peterborough, was allegedly shot dead in Kotli, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
His family says he was not participating in the protests and was hit by a stray bullet during clashes near his house.
His cousin said Pakistani security forces opened fire on demonstrators demanding economic and electoral reforms.
The family could not get a police complaint registered in PoK and feared drawing attention could put them at further risk.
Pakistan has declared the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a terrorist organisation and imposed a communications blackout since June 5.
- Who
- Mohammad Akhtar, a 50-year-old British national from Peterborough who was residing in Kotli; his family and cousin Mohammad Saad.
- What
- Akhtar was allegedly shot dead during clashes between security forces and protesters, reportedly hit by a stray bullet.
- Where
- Kotli, in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
- When
- June 9, when violence broke out in Kotli; the communications blackout has been in place since June 5.
- Why
- Pakistani security forces reportedly opened fire on a gathering of protesters demanding economic and electoral reforms; Akhtar's family says he was near the demonstrations but not taking part.
Protesters and victim's family
Pakistani government
Use of force during protests
Protesters and victim's family
Security forces opened fire on protesters, allegedly killing at least 30 people during last month's demonstrations; Akhtar's family says he was hit by a stray bullet.
Pakistani government
The Pakistani government has rejected allegations that security forces killed protesters.
Elections and JAAC
Protesters and victim's family
JAAC calls the elections a 'sham' held 'at gunpoint' and accuses Islamabad of trying to crush dissent and detaining its supporters.
Pakistani government
Pakistan declared JAAC a terrorist organisation and proceeded with elections in the region.
Key facts
- Victim
- Mohammad Akhtar, 50, British national from Peterborough
- Incident date
- June 9
- Location
- Kotli, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
- Reported by
- The Guardian
- Protest group
- Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC)
- Communications blackout
- Imposed since June 5
- Alleged protest deaths
- At least 30 during last month's demonstrations
- PoK elections
- Voting began July 27
Quotes
Mohammad Saad
Cousin of the deceased, speaking to the Guardian
“He wasn't taking part in protests but the demonstrations were happening close to his house. There was firing by the forces that day and he was hit by a stray bullet.”
wionews.com
Sources
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