Killings, Mass Arrests, Disappearances: Rights Watchdog Flags Deepening Crisis In PoK | Exclusive
Killings, Mass Arrests, Disappearances: Rights Watchdog Flags Deepening Crisis In PoK | Exclusive Reported By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 11:43 IST At least 50
Killings, Mass Arrests, Disappearances: Rights Watchdog Flags Deepening Crisis In PoK | Exclusive Reported By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 11:43 IST At least 50 deaths and thousands of detentions have been reported amid disappearances, home raids and internet blackouts across PoK. Rapid Read Commuters ride past security personnel as they patrol a street ahead of a protest by the JAAC in Muzaffarabad, PoK. (IMAGE: AFP) A human rights report has alleged widespread killings, mass injuries, arbitrary arrests, disappearances, armed raids and communications restrictions during the continuing civil rights mobilisation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Jammu Kashmir Human Rights Observatory (JKHRO), in its latest report, said community sources had put the death toll at approximately 50 or more. The organisation said it had separately documented 34 deaths through field volunteers, local journalists and residents. The report, updated until July 14, covers developments since June and details what the rights group calls a worsening human rights and humanitarian crisis in PoK. Comprehensive official casualty and detention records remain unavailable, it said. Rangers Accused Of Firing On Sit-In According to the report, Pakistan Rangers allegedly opened fire on demonstrators at a sit-in in Mutyalmera while prayers were under way. The rights group alleged that the firing formed part of a broader crackdown on civil rights protesters across PoK.
It also reported hundreds of injuries, although complete hospital-based records were unavailable because of restrictions on movement and communications. JKHRO said six or more sit-ins were continuing in Rawalakot and surrounding areas. It claimed that more than 60,000 people had participated in the wider mobilisation and related demonstrations. Bodies Allegedly Withheld From Families The report accused the authorities of withholding the bodies of deceased protesters to pressure their relatives and weaken the protest movement. Bereaved families were allegedly subjected to extortion, coercion and conditions before being allowed to reclaim the bodies of their relatives, according to the watchdog. The report said delays in releasing bodies had compounded the suffering of families and obstructed independent verification of the circumstances surrounding several deaths. Armed Raids And Property Seizures Reported JKHRO also alleged that armed personnel carried out raids on the homes of civil rights activists and protesters. During these operations, houses were allegedly ransacked and personal property seized. The report claimed that the raids were intended to intimidate activists, identify protest organisers and discourage residents from joining demonstrations. It also documented allegations of reprisals against people believed to have supported the mobilisation or provided information about the crackdown. Thousands Reportedly Detained Thousands of people have allegedly been arrested or detained across PoK, the report said, adding that the authorities had not released comprehensive lists identifying those in custody.
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