Eight civilians were killed Wednesday as violent protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) entered a third straight day, deepening the region’s unrest. According to sources, four people died in Dhirkot, two in Muzaffarabad, and two in Mirpur. This follows two deaths reported Tuesday in Muzaffarabad, bringing the toll to 10 in just 72 hours.

The protests, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), have triggered a shutdown of markets, businesses, and transport, paralyzing daily life. Demonstrators accuse Islamabad of decades-long denial of basic rights, with demands ranging from economic relief to political reforms. A major flashpoint is the abolition of 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees in Pakistan, which locals say dilutes representative governance.

Tensions escalated when protestors hurled stones and toppled shipping containers placed on bridges to block their march towards Muzaffarabad. The JAAC has alleged that Pakistani Rangers and the Army opened fire and shelled civilians, causing several deaths.

JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir warned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government that the current strike was only “Plan A,” with harsher strategies in reserve. The group has also demanded compensation and jobs for victims’ families, while calling for the ISI-backed Muslim Conference to be designated a terrorist outfit.

Eight civilians were killed Wednesday as violent protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) entered a third straight day, deepening the region’s unrest. According to sources, four people died in Dhirkot, two in Muzaffarabad, and two in Mirpur. This follows two deaths reported Tuesday in Muzaffarabad, bringing the toll to 10 in just 72 hours.

The protests, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), have triggered a shutdown of markets, businesses, and transport, paralyzing daily life. Demonstrators accuse Islamabad of decades-long denial of basic rights, with demands ranging from economic relief to political reforms. A major flashpoint is the abolition of 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees in Pakistan, which locals say dilutes representative governance.

Tensions escalated when protestors hurled stones and toppled shipping containers placed on bridges to block their march towards Muzaffarabad. The JAAC has alleged that Pakistani Rangers and the Army opened fire and shelled civilians, causing several deaths.

JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir warned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government that the current strike was only “Plan A,” with harsher strategies in reserve. The group has also demanded compensation and jobs for victims’ families, while calling for the ISI-backed Muslim Conference to be designated a terrorist outfit.