• Source:JND
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At least 12 civilians have been killed in the past three days of violent protests across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), sources said, as demonstrators clashed with Pakistani security forces over political and economic grievances.  The most recent violence unfolded on Wednesday, with eight civilians killed during confrontations at Neelum Bridge and other locations. Four people died in Dhirkot, Bagh district, while two each were reported dead in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur, NDTV reported.

JKAAC leaders have demanded the immediate restoration of mobile and communication services, warning that they may dismantle communication towers if their demands are not met. In Rawalakot, demonstrators chanted slogans calling for local ownership of Kashmir and its resources, while in Bagh, there were street battles, with the locals reportedly holding Punjab Police personnel captive for a while.

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Escalating Tensions And Demands

The protests are taking place against rising popular mobilisation against what locals characterise as political repression, economic exploitation, and disproportionate use of force by Pakistani authorities. Earlier, senior JKAAC leaders had called upon citizens from all districts of PoK to gather in Muzaffarabad on October 1. 

The disturbances in PoK are a part of a larger trend of civilian resentment throughout Pakistan. Last week, 30 civilians were murdered in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after purported aerial attacks by Pakistani Air Force J-17 planes employing Chinese-produced LS-6 bombs. JKAAC has presented a 38-point charter of demands, which includes the abolition of reserved seats for refugees and the revocation of privileges for elites.

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Videos making the rounds on social media show convoys of security personnel entering PoK cities, further fueling fears of an imminent crackdown. Locals have continued chanting slogans demanding freedom from Pakistani rule, with the passion of public anger evident.