At least nine people, including three policemen, were killed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PaK) on Wednesday as a general strike spearheaded by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) spiraled into violence.
Authorities confirmed to Express Tribune that incidents in Dhir Kot and other towns left over 220 people injured — 172 policemen and 50 civilians — amid fierce clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
Markets, businesses, and transport services remained closed across Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Neelum, Mirpur and Bhimber, with internet services disrupted in most areas.
The report quoting officials said armed protesters opened fire on police, killing Constables Khurshid, Jameel and Tahir Rafi.
Residents reported deserted streets, shuttered shops, and a climate of fear across major towns.
The JAAC, led by Shaukat Nawaz Mir, has been demanding an end to political privileges, abolition of assembly seats reserved for refugees, judicial reforms, free education and healthcare, and an international airport.
While the government claims that 90% of these demands have already been accepted, negotiations collapsed over constitutional issues such as the refugee seats and ministerial quotas.
PaK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, flanked by Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, appealed for calm and invited the JAAC leadership to return to dialogue.
“Violence will only bring bloodshed, not solutions,” Haq said, lamenting the deaths of three policemen.
The government alleged that outside elements had joined the agitation, exacerbating tensions. Entry points linking PaK with Pakistan have been sealed by protesters, further disrupting supply lines.
