Delegation negotiations fail amid ongoing violence and multiple deaths

A high-level delegation of Pakistan government held negotiations with a civil society alliance in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir amid violent clashes. At least 10 people were killed and scores critically injured by Pakistani forces, during the protest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The unrest erupted as Pakistan government’s failed to address the committee’s 38 demands, including the elimination of reserved seats in Pak occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Yesterday, the entire region observed a complete shut down for the fourth consecutive day. Earlier, hundreds of people had gathered at Khurshid Football Stadium and the Pak occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s Lala Chowk to attend the funerals of two people killed in an police firing in Muzaffarabad. Addressing the mourners, Mir of Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee updated the crowd on the latest developments, vowing that the struggle would continue until the acceptance of key demands is met. These include the abolition of 12 refugee seats, withdrawal of elite privileges, implementation of a June 2019 High Court decision regarding agreements on power projects in Pak occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and the provision of health cards. He stressed that before discussing these issues, the alliance would demand the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible for killing unarmed protesters in Muzaffarabad, Dhirkot and other areas.