3 Killed In Rawalakot As Pakistan Forces Fire On Protesters In Fresh Crackdown, PoK Blackout Continues
3 Killed In Rawalakot As Pakistan Forces Fire On Protesters In Fresh Crackdown, PoK Blackout Continues Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: June 14, 2026
3 Killed In Rawalakot As Pakistan Forces Fire On Protesters In Fresh Crackdown, PoK Blackout Continues Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: June 14, 2026, 13:36 IST Three people were killed in Rawalakot as security forces moved against protesters, while shortages, internet restrictions and unrest continue across PoK. A local resident walks through a deserted bus terminal during a strike called by JAAC in POK (Photo: AP) At least three people were killed and several others injured after Pakistan security forces allegedly opened fire on protesters during a pre-dawn operation in Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The crackdown took place at Eid Gah Ground during Fajr prayers, where members and supporters of the Awami Action Committee (AAC) had been holding a sit-in. According to the details, security personnel used direct firing, heavy shelling and extensive tear gas to disperse the gathering, triggering panic across the area. One of those killed was identified as Naeem Ameen of Plandri Phalian. Several others were injured during the operation, though an official casualty count was not immediately available.
Intense tear gas shelling left large parts of Rawalakot covered in smoke as security forces moved against protesters. The operation was described as a violent crackdown on what demonstrators said was a peaceful sit-in. Tensions remain high in the region, with the standoff between authorities and protesters now stretching into its eighth day without any breakthrough. CNN-News18 further learnt that Pakistan security forces were employing what protesters described as provocation tactics against the Awami Action Committee. Authorities were accused of attempting to push a peaceful movement toward violence in order to derail its demands. COMMUNICATION BLACKOUT ENTERS DAY 12 The latest violence comes amid a prolonged communication shutdown across parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Mobile networks remain completely suspended, with the blackout entering its 12th consecutive day. The continuing restrictions have fuelled anxiety among residents and complicated access to information and emergency services. Meanwhile, shortages of food and medicines were worsening across affected areas, raising concerns of a looming humanitarian crisis. The report said residents were increasingly struggling to access essential supplies as the unrest and restrictions continued.
The prolonged deadlock has added to uncertainty in the region, where protests have intensified despite a heavy security presence. DEATH TOLL FROM WIDER CLASHES RISES TO 20 The Rawalakot operation comes amid unrest linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee, a movement seeking economic, governance and political reforms in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. According to AFP, the death toll from clashes between police and supporters of the JAAC has risen to 20 based on official figures. Malik Zafar, the local government’s higher education minister, told AFP that seven people had died in clashes in his Kotli constituency. Rawalakot Commissioner Sardar Waheed told the news agency that 12 people had been killed in incidents linked to the unrest, including four police officers. A senior police official in Mirpur separately confirmed the death of a protester during clashes on Wednesday. The latest unrest follows deadly clashes in Rawalakot on Sunday that left seven people dead. The violence erupted after the Supreme Court of Pakistan-administered Kashmir ruled that 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan were constitutionally protected and could not be abolished without a constitutional amendment.
The BriefWire