Violent protests rock Pakistan-occupied Kashmir over heavy taxation, two killed in police firing

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ALSO READ: Pakistan: PIA flight departs with parents, as six-year-old son's body lies at Islamabad airport Several videos emerged where policemen were seen firing AK-47s in the air and even towards the crowds. On Friday, the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) had called for a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike in Muzaffarabad, following which the police, reported The Dawn, adding demonstrators pelted stones at the police.

Protests were held in Samahni, Sehansa, Mirpur, Rawalakot, Khuiratta, Tattapani, Hattian Bala, all in PoK. ALSO READ: Former Pakistan minister Fawad Chaudhry cheers Arvind Kejriwal's release from Tihar jail: ‘Modi lost another…’ The report by The Dawn claims that after several of its leaders and activists were arrested by police in overnight raids in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur divisions, the JKJAAC gave the strike call for Friday.

The JKJACC in April announced that people from across the state would stage a long march towards Muzaffarabad on May 11. Also, they were upset with 'unjust' taxes levied on electricity bills and had observed a similar shutter-down strike in August 2023.

The Dawn mentioned that the JKJAAC movement sought electricity should be provided to consumers following the production cost of hydro-power in the state. ALSO READ: IMF doubts cash-strapped Pakistan's repayment capacity as support team arrives in Islamabad After the strike call by JKJACC, the Chief Secretary of the PoK had written to the Secretary of the Interior Division in Islamabad and request for six civil armed forces (CAF) platoons for security.