The death toll is further expected to rise, with several of those injured said to be in critical condition.
Image: IANS
At least 20 people have been killed and dozens others left critically injured during the ‘Long March’ organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The death toll is further expected to rise, with several of those injured said to be in critical condition, IANS reported. This comes amid major crackdown by the Shehbaz Sharif-led Pakistani government in the region.
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“The Long March caravans have reached Rawalakot city. According to information received so far, the identities of 19 deceased individuals have been confirmed, while one person did not have identification documents and sustained a bullet wound to the head; his body is present at the Palandri Hospital. Thus, the total deaths have reached at least 20. In addition, other details are contingent upon daylight breaking and the restoration of communications,” read a post on the X handle of JAAC on Tuesday.
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Further, it informed that the protesters were present at Chandni Chowk in Rawalakot city.
“Once daylight arrives, a gathering will be held at Shahid Chowk, where the future course of action will be announced,” it added.
لانگ مارچ کے قافلے راولاکوٹ شہر پہنچ گئے ہیں۔ ابھی تک کی اطلاعات کے مطابق 19 فوت ہونے والوں کے ناموں کی تصدیق ہو چکی ہے، جبکہ ایک شخص کے پاس شناختی دستاویزات موجود نہیں تھیں اور اس کے سر میں گولی لگی ہے، اس کی میت پلندری ہسپتال میں موجود ہے۔ یوں مجموعی اموات کم از کم 20 ہو چکی…
— Awami Action Committe (@JAAC__Official) July 28, 2026
The march is being organised after talks between JAAC and Pakistani authorities failed to produce a mutually acceptable outcome. It reportedly started from Mirpur Division on Sunday, with caravans converging at the Rawalakot sit-in before proceeding with the march towards Muzaffarabad on Monday.
The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) has drawn the international community’s attention towards the humanitarian abuses unfolding in PoK.
Citing multiple reports, the group has claimed that the Pakistani security forces on Monday evening launched a violent crackdown against peaceful protesters in Rawalakot through the use of live ammunition, heavy shelling, tear gas, and other forms of force.
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