Pakistani security forces opened fire on protesters in Rawalakot. It is claimed that at least 19 people were killed in the firing, and more than two dozen others were injured. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) released a video stating that the protest convoy had reached Chinar Chowk and was moving towards D-Chowk before planning to halt for the night at Maqbool Bhat Shaheed Chowk in Rawalakot.
The video stated, “Today, Pakistani security forces opened fire on our innocent youth. As a result, 19 of our young men have been martyred. Among them is Usman Nazir, the younger brother of the movement’s founder, Umar Nazir Kashmiri. The other martyrs include one activist each from Khaigala, Kotli city, Tattapani, Banja-Baspur, Chhota Gala, and Haveli. In total, 19 people have been martyred, including two of our Baloch friends. Approximately two dozen others are injured.”
They appealed to Kashmiris living abroad to raise this issue internationally, alleging that authorities are committing atrocities against the protesters. They said, “We are moving forward. I appeal to Kashmiris living abroad to stand up against these atrocities. The state is in a state of panic and is resorting to a massacre. Please stage protests outside Pakistani embassies and before international human rights organizations like the United Nations (UN). Organize rallies to show solidarity with those participating in the long march.” 19 people killed in the Rawalakot long march:
Naeem Butt – Kotli
Usman Nazir – Rawalakot
Nisar Ahmed – Baloch
Kashif Yaqoob – Rawalakot
Sardar Fida Hussain – Trarkhal
Muzzammil – Ali Sojal
Basit Shah – Hajira
Faheem Afzal – Chhota Galla, Rawalakot
Kamran Mushtaq Panakha (son of Mushtaq) – Hajira
Zargham Khalil – Darek, Rawalakot
Saqib Hanif – Reerah Ban, Rawalakot
Saqib Ishaq – Namb Gavara, Pallandri
Areel Asghar – Tatta Pani
Usman Gul – Darek Dhok, Rawalakot
Zafeer Pehalwan – Trar Khel
Nisar Shaheen – Pakho Narbai
Ali Hussain – Khari Sharif, Mirpur
Khawaja Abrar Latif Dar – Khurshidabad, Haveli
Kamran Hafiz – Kahuta
It is worth noting that India described the protests in PoK as a “direct consequence” of the “systematic exploitation and administrative repression” carried out by Islamabad for decades in the territories under its “forcible” occupation, and criticized the alleged police brutality against the protesters.
