Last Updated: September 22, 2026
Last Updated: September 22, 2026
Muzaffarabad: Protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) protesting against the cut in subsidies on basic necessities have taken 25 security personnel hostage.
These soldiers are being used as human shields, due to which the security forces are not able to take any direct action.
Protesters allege that intelligence agencies are carrying out covert attacks to break up the movement. Unidentified individuals in plainclothes target leaders and create panic among the crowds.
10 killed, over 100 injured in the agitation
Security forces opened fire on unarmed protesters on Wednesday to stop them, killing eight people and injuring more than 100.
Ten people have been killed so far in the four-day protests. According to media reports, four people were killed today in Dhirkot in Bagh district, two in Muzaffarabad, and two in Mirpur.
The protests are being held at the behest of the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC). The protesters accuse the government of ignoring fundamental rights and failing to control inflation.
A crowd of people is marching towards Muzaffarabad, the capital of PoK, today. They have placed 38 demands before the government, including the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the PoK Assembly.
38 demands have been placed before the government, of which these 3 are major
Entry of journalists banned in PoK
The Pakistani government has banned journalists and tourists from entering PoK. Local reporters are also alleging that they are being prevented from providing neutral coverage. Several human rights organizations are also raising their voices on this issue.
The internet has been shut down in PoK since midnight. The government fears that the protests could escalate into demands for independence.
There have been protests in PoK many times before.
Protests against the army and the government have occurred several times in PoK. In May of last year, people went on strike demanding cheap flour and electricity. People say that despite the Mangla Dam in PoK generating electricity, they still don’t receive affordable electricity.
Similarly, in 2023, people took to the streets to protest against rising electricity prices and the removal of wheat subsidies. In 2022, people also blocked roads and chanted slogans for freedom against a government law.
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