'Tale Of Oppression': 20 Killed In PoK's Rawalakot Crackdown, Pakistan Oppn Slams 'Open Terrorism'

Published 28 July 2026 · india

'Tale Of Oppression': 20 Killed In PoK's Rawalakot Crackdown, Pakistan Oppn Slams 'Open Terrorism' Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 28, 2026, 10:10 IST

'Tale Of Oppression': 20 Killed In PoK's Rawalakot Crackdown, Pakistan Oppn Slams 'Open Terrorism' Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 28, 2026, 10:10 IST According to activists, Pakistani military personnel, Punjab Rangers and police opened fire on demonstrators, allegedly using live ammunition, long-range tear gas shells & snipers Rapid Read Supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) gather during a week-long protest in Rawalakot in PoK. (AFP) Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) remained on edge on Tuesday after a deadly crackdown by Pakistani security forces on anti-election protesters in Rawalakot, with protest leaders vowing to continue their agitation despite casualties and Pakistan’s opposition leaders sharply condemning the use of force. The violence erupted in Rawalakot’s Dreik Eidgah area, where large numbers of residents reportedly boycotted the elections and gathered to protest. According to the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) and local activists, Pakistani military personnel, Punjab Rangers and police opened fire on demonstrators, allegedly using live ammunition, long-range tear gas shells and snipers positioned at strategic locations. Protest organisers claimed that at least 20 Kashmiris were killed and hundreds injured in the crackdown.

Eyewitnesses also alleged that bullets struck walls as security personnel fired into crowds. Blackout, Barricades and Calls for International Intervention Following the violence, protesters claimed they had barricaded all major entry points into Rawalakot to prevent additional security forces from entering the city after polling elsewhere in PoK. Residents also alleged that authorities imposed a communications blackout, with mobile services, internet connectivity and electricity reportedly cut across parts of the region. “Cellular services are down, internet services are down, and forces have even cut off the electricity," another protester claimed, urging independent journalists and international organisations to focus attention on Rawalakot. Several protesters described the crackdown as unprecedented. “The tale of oppression you have written on the soil of Rawalakot today has no parallel in history," a speaker said, accusing administrative officials of ordering direct firing on civilians using heavy weapons. Awami Action Committee Says Movement Will Continue Despite the casualties, the JKJAAC insisted the movement would continue. Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri, a core member of the committee, said the long march would not be halted and vowed to seek justice for those killed.