The Awami Action Committee has categorically said they will not bury the bodies until their genuine concerns are addressed. Earlier, funeral prayers for at least two individuals were held in Muzaffarabad, which were attended by a large number of people.
“The strike called by the Awami Action Committee in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir continued today, with a large number of protesters gathered in Lal Chowk, Muzaffarabad, alongside the bodies of those who, according to the Action Committee, were allegedly killed in security forces’ firing during yesterday’s protest.”
“The Awami Action Committee has stated that they will not hold talks with the government committee until a solution is reached on the issue of 12 assembly seats in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.”
“On this occasion, Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a member of the Awami Action Committee, claimed that 10 people were killed during the protests.
However, regarding the deaths of protesters, the Prime Minister of Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Anwar-ul-Haq, said yesterday that “there are reports of some citizens being killed, but this has not been confirmed yet.””
“On the other hand, the negotiating committee formed by the federal government to hold talks with the leaders of the Awami Action Committee has arrived in Muzaffarabad. Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a member of the Awami Action Committee, said that “talks can only take place after the resolution of the 12 assembly seats, abolition of privileges for the ruling class, and the quota system. We will not hold any talks before that.””
“The government delegation includes federal ministers Aamir Muqam, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Rana Sanaullah, former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Sardar Yousaf, Ahsan Iqbal, and Masood. Earlier, on Thursday morning, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the situation in Kashmir and appealed to the citizens there to remain peaceful.”
“They said that “the government is always ready to resolve the issues of our Kashmiri brothers.” The Prime Minister also ordered a transparent investigation into the unfortunate incidents that occurred during the protests.”
“Sardar Umair Nazeer Kashmiri responded to the Prime Minister of Kashmir’s press conference yesterday, saying that “since September 29, a peaceful popular movement has faced state repression, human rights violations, restrictions on civil liberties, and the killing of innocent citizens.
“He alleged that “state forces and non-local personnel have fired indiscriminately, resulting in the deaths of at least nine unarmed citizens and hundreds injured.” He also claimed that “three police personnel were killed by non-local forces’ firing”.”
The situation in Kashmir remains tense, with ongoing protests and clashes between security forces and demonstrators.
The Awami Action Committee has been leading protests across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, putting forth a 38-point charter of demands. The committee has rejected government offers to negotiate, insisting that their demands must be met before talks can proceed.
“In a statement issued by the Joint Awami Action Committee, it was said that “inter-provincial highways have been blocked with the intention of creating a shortage of essential goods, food, and fuel, while cases are being registered against Action Committee leaders, workers, and journalists.” The statement reiterated that all demands presented by the Awami Action Committee are constitutional.”
“The statement demands that the United Nations, OIC, European Union, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and other international human rights organisations intervene immediately, conduct independent investigations, and put pressure on Pakistan to end the bloodshed.”
According to a statement by protesters,”the Awami Action Committee has not launched any campaign against Pakistan or its armed forces. This movement is completely peaceful and constitutional, and its sole purpose is to ensure the social, economic, and political rights of the Kashmiri people.”
PM of POK Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq said that “three police personnel were killed in clashes between protesters and police on Wednesday at Chhambian locality of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.”
“The Federal Minister also held that “we have accepted 90 percent of the demands of the Awami Action Committee, and we are ready to talk further on the remaining issues as well.”
“It is worth noting that the Jammu Kashmir Awami Action Committee’s demands include the abolition of privileges for the ruling classes and the 12 assembly seats for migrants settled in Pakistan, provision of free medical treatment, uniform and free education, and establishment of an international airport. Additionally, the demands include the abolition of the quota system and judicial reforms. During negotiations, the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Pakistan-administered Kashmir had accepted few of demands, but the talks failed due to some unfulfilled demands.”
