19 children, 7 pregnant women killed: Inside details of bloodbath in POK
As per reports emerging from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, dozens have been killed after Pakistani forces launched a violent crackdown against protesters belonging to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) movement, which has been protesting against alleged human rights violations, inflation, unemployment and economic distress.
India Today has accessed a confidential dossier that exposes Pakistan's brutal large-scale security crackdown in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) between June 5 and June 9.
As per reports emerging from the illegally occupied region, dozens have been killed after Pakistani forces launched a violent crackdown against protesters belonging to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) movement, which has been protesting against alleged human rights violations, inflation, unemployment and economic distress.
The dossier alleges that the security crackdown has resulted in multiple civilian deaths. It further claims that 19 children and seven pregnant women were killed during the violence and urges the international community to investigate the incidents.
The dossier also claims that nearly 14,000 security personnel from mainland Pakistan have been deployed across POJK to suppress the protests. It alleges that security forces used live ammunition against unarmed protesters and mourners.
It further states that internet and communication restrictions have been imposed in the region to prevent documentation of the crackdown.
According to the confidential report, several leaders associated with the JAAC movement have been killed, injured, or detained during the operation. The dossier also raises questions over the alleged involvement of the Pakistan Army in the operation, seeking international scrutiny of command responsibility.
MEA CONDEMNS CRACKDOWN
Meanwhile, India has accused Pakistan of spreading fake news and misinformation to divert attention from alleged human rights abuses in POJK.
The Ministry of External Affairs said India had observed a "pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan" and described it as a desperate attempt to cover up its own failings.
The MEA has also referred to reports of alleged police brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, saying that it hopes the international community would hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses.
PROTESTS CONTINUE AMID CRACKDOWN
Pakistani authorities had claimed they launched the crackdown after the JAAC carried out a "guerrilla-style" attack from narrow lanes using firearms and petrol bombs.
Nevertheless, protests have spread across Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Dadial, Rawalakot, Sudhnoti and Tattapani, despite Pakistani authorities suspending mobile internet services in an apparent bid to curb the unrest.
Protest groups have continued to mobilise against the Pakistani establishment, even as authorities have warned that they will block a proposed long march planned by protesters.
PROTESTS GO GLOBAL
The protests have also reached the UK, where members of the Kashmiri diaspora gathered outside a Pakistani mission.
At least 30 British MPs have written to the UK government urging it to “engage proactively and use all appropriate diplomatic channels to encourage de-escalation and a peaceful resolution” of the situation.
The parliamentarians have expressed concern over reports of arrests, including those involving British nationals, restrictions on communications, and what they described as a breakdown in dialogue between authorities and representatives of the JAAC.