Political activist Amjad Ayub Mirza from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) urged the Indian government to summon the Pakistan ambassador following Pakistan Rangers’ firing on thousands of locals in Muzaffarabad. Mirza, in a video statement, highlighted the gravity of the situation in Muzaffarabad, emphasizing that around 500,000 people protested against taxes on electricity bills, and subsidy cuts, and demanded an end to the privileges of top officials.
He called for global support and urged the international community to stand with the people of PoJK. Mirza appealed to India to raise the issue at the United Nations and to summon the Pakistan ambassador for an explanation, citing the daylight murders in PoJK and the endangerment of lives.
The incident left numerous locals injured as thousands took to the streets to voice their grievances. Mirza described the protest and subsequent clashes with the Pakistan Rangers, who initially attempted to disperse the crowd but faced resistance, leading to reinforcements.
Despite the government of PoJK announcing an agreement with the protesters, offering concessions on electricity tariffs and wheat prices, Mirza highlighted discrepancies in the official notification. He recounted the escalation of violence, including open firing by Rangers resulting in casualties, and emphasized the shutdown of internet services, exacerbating the desperate situation.
Mirza expressed concern over the deployment of army commandos via helicopters and the lack of communication due to the internet blackout, underscoring the urgency of the situation in Muzaffarabad.