PoJK protests: JKHRO alleges civilian killings, curfew, mass arrests by Pak forces

Srinagar, Jul 16: Protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) have intensified following a crackdown by Pakistani authorities, with an independent rights body alleging widespread human rights violations and a deepening humanitarian crisis in the region.

In a report released on Wednesday, the Jammu Kashmir Human Rights Observatory (JKHRO) claimed that the situation in PoJK had deteriorated significantly between June 5 and July 14, 2026, evolving from a law-and-order issue into what it described as a civilian protection and humanitarian emergency.

According to the report, Pakistani security forces allegedly used excessive force against protesters, carried out arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, withheld bodies from families, conducted house raids, damaged property, imposed internet and mobile communication blackouts, and restricted access to food, medicines and healthcare. The report noted, however, that many of these allegations require independent verification.

The JKHRO claimed that Rawalakot has remained under curfew-like restrictions for over 39 days. It estimated that protests have drawn participation from more than 60,000 people, resulting in over 50 deaths, hundreds of injuries, thousands of arrests and affecting more than three million residents.

The report also cited alleged firing incidents on July 5 in Dadyal, July 9 in Koteri, July 11 at Jandala Cross, and July 14 at Baloch Bus Stand and Mutyalmera, claiming civilian casualties in each case.

The rights body called for an independent inquiry into the incidents, publication of official lists of those killed, injured, detained and missing, unrestricted humanitarian access and permission for international monitoring of the situation.

Meanwhile, addressing a large gathering in Rawalakot on Wednesday, protest leader Sardar Aman Khan challenged Islamabad’s official narrative by declaring that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir was “not Azad (free) but a disputed territory,” drawing loud applause from the crowd. (Agencies)