Jammu and Kashmir Leaders Denounce Fatal Crackdown on Protesters in POK
The CPI(M) and PDP have condemned the lethal use of force against civil society demonstrators in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Reports indicate at least 21 people were killed after security forces opened fire during regional protests.
Regional Leaders Demand End to Violence Across the Line of Control
Senior political figures from Kashmir expressed grave concern on Tuesday regarding reports of state-sponsored violence against civilians in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). During a session in Srinagar on July 28, 2026, representatives from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called for an immediate cessation of the military-led crackdown that occurred earlier this week.
Former minister and PDP leader Naeem Akhtar addressed the Pakistani administration directly, urging the government to halt what he described as atrocities against the residents of the held territory. Akhtar asserted that the demands of the populace cannot be silenced through brute force, emphasizing that diplomatic engagement and open dialogue represent the only viable path to regional stability.
Casualty Counts Rise Following JAAC Demonstrations
Data emerging from the region suggests a severe escalation in hostilities on Monday, July 27, 2026. Security forces reportedly opened fire on activists affiliated with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society coalition advocating for local economic and governance reforms. The violence resulted in a significant loss of life:
- Total Fatalities: 21 individuals confirmed dead.
- Injuries: Dozens of civilians wounded.
- Primary Locations: Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli.
CPI(M) Advocates for Constitutional Resolution
Legislator and CPI(M) leader M. Y. Tarigami categorized the protesters' demands for fair governance and an end to harsh economic measures as fundamentally just. He highlighted the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s ruling regarding 12 refugee seats, arguing that the current friction necessitates a constitutional rather than a militaristic approach.
Tarigami noted that the casualties in Rawalakot and nearby districts serve as a grim indicator that meeting grievances with lethal force exacerbates the underlying crisis. He concluded by demanding official accountability for the deaths, relief packages for the grieving families, and a political framework that respects the dignity and democratic rights of the local population.
Source: The Hindu — News
