Image Credits - India Today
Three civilians died, six injured in POK clashes with paramilitary Rangers in Muzaffarabad amid protests over soaring living costs.
According to Dawn, the incident occurred as Pakistani Rangers were departing Kohala following a Rs 23 billion subsidy announcement by the government to appease protesters. As their 19-vehicle convoy approached Muzaffarabad, it faced a barrage of stones near Shorran da Nakka village, prompting security forces to deploy teargas and resort to firing in response
Social media footage depicted paramilitary vehicles engulfed in flames along the Muzaffarabad-Brarkot route, while another clip showcased demonstrators chanting ‘Azadi’ against Pakistan. The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), leading the protests, urged the resumption of the march, citing unmet demands. Reports from Pakistani media indicate over 90 individuals injured in the ongoing violent street demonstrations in POK since May 10.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sanctioned Rs 23 billion for POK, earmarked for power and wheat subsidies, aiming to assuage protesters. Notably, the price of 40 kg flour plummeted from Rs 3,100 to Rs 2,000, and electricity tariffs were revised to Rs 3, Rs 5, and Rs 6 per unit for consumption up to 100, 300, and over 300 units, respectively, as per Dawn’s report.
POK activist Amjad Ayub Mirza expressed grave concern over escalating violence in Muzaffarabad, urging the Indian government to summon the Pakistani ambassador for clarification. Mirza reported a massive protest of around 500,000 people against high taxes, resulting in clashes where protesters pushed back against Rangers.
He warned of a potentially rising death toll, citing a complete internet shutdown in the region. Mirza disclosed the deployment of Army commandos via helicopters, each carrying 20 to 25 personnel, further escalating tensions in the conflict-ridden area, as per ANI reports.