7 killed in Pakistani army firing in PoK; Protesters attacked with machine guns and drones; Children among the dead included

Pakistani security forces opened fire on protesters in Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Thursday. At least 7 people were killed in the incident, while 18 people were seriously injured. Children were also among the dead. The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) alleged that security forces attacked peaceful protesters with heavy machine guns and drones. There has been no official statement from Pakistani authorities on the incident so far. Allegations of targeting protesters at three places According to the UKPNP, Pakistani security forces cracked down on the ongoing sit-in at Matialammera Bus Terminal, Umar Farooq Chowk and other places in Rawalakot. The party alleged that the security forces fired on the protesters and also attacked them with drones. During this time, heavy machine guns and armored vehicles were used. 153 people have died in PoK since June 7 The protests that began on June 7 in PoK have been steadily increasing. After the death of 7 people on Thursday, the total number of people who lost their lives in the movement has risen to 153. The agitation started with the political rights and economic problems of the local people. Now the protesters are also demanding the return of the Pakistani security forces and the cancellation of the cases registered against their leaders. 4 major reasons for the agitation... 1. Dispute over 12 reserved seats of the Assembly There are a total of 53 seats in the PoK Assembly. Out of these, 12 seats are reserved for people of Kashmiri origin living in Pakistan. The protesters allege that through these meetings, the government of Pakistan interferes in the politics of PoK. They say that the local people are not represented in these seats. The dispute escalated after the Supreme Court's decision on PoK on June 7. The court said that these seats cannot be abolished without constitutional changes. 2. Electricity and the issue of Mangla Dam PoK produces electricity in large quantities, but the locals allege that they get electricity at a high price. The protesters want the electricity generated from the dam to be given to the local people at a lower price. 3. Inflation and Shortage of Flour People are suffering due to inflation in PoK, rising prices of expensive flour and other essential commodities. The protesters are demanding that along with electricity, subsidy should also be given on flour, so that common families can get relief. 4. Pakistani security forces return The protesters are demanding that the Pakistani Rangers and the army deployed to suppress the movement be called back. Apart from this, there is also a demand to end the cases registered against the leaders of the Awami Action Committee under the Anti-Terrorism Act.