Clashes in PoK: Protest turns violent as three civilians among seven killed, over 60 injured

At least seven people were killed and dozens injured in clashes between police and members of a banned protest group in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), officials said on Monday. The clashes broke out in the city of Rawalkot, AFP reported. Commissioner Sardar Waheed, Rawalkot’s top civilian official, said three civilians were killed and 40 others were wounded in the violence. In a separate statement, police confirmed that four officers were killed and 23 others injured in the incident.The clashes occurred a day ahead of planned protests by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which was recently banned over allegations that it posed a threat to public order and security.The US Embassy in Islamabad has advised American citizens in PoK to exercise caution ahead of the demonstrations, while local authorities have also issued a travel advisory discouraging tourism in the region from June 5 to June 20.The JAAC has staged violent protests in recent years and has said it plans to hold another demonstration next week to press the government to accept its demands.Tuesday's demonstration has been called to protest earlier incidents of violence, including the killing of a JAAC leader by security forces, internet blackouts, the group’s ban, as well as issues such as electricity shortages, inflation, unemployment, alleged resource exploitation, and political marginalisation.Critics have also raised concerns over the 12 “refugee” seats, which they say are used to maintain Islamabad’s influence in the region.According to reports, telecom and internet services in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have been suspended, while additional contingents of the Pakistan Federal Police and Pakistan Rangers have been deployed in Muzaffarabad ahead of the protest.