BoK protests: Pakistan launches manhunt for four BoK protesters after crackdown kills 19 children and 7 pregnant women

The Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) government launched a search operation against four protesters and announced a reward of Rs 10 million for information leading to the arrest of leaders of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) following massive protests in the region, Dawn reported.The Pakistani authorities also ordered the prosecution of two JAAC leaders for sedition.Also Read – Intel: PoK firings killed 19 children and 7 pregnant womenresulting in repression Pakistan Security forces opened fire in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing 26 people.Amid escalating unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), an intelligence dossier details systematic violence by Pakistani security forces between June 5 and 9. Reports said the violence was triggered by the shooting on the Bamang Bridge.The dossier said the Pakistani military targeted the Joint People’s Action Committee (JAAC), a group dedicated to economic reforms and banned it under anti-terrorism laws. The report also said tensions increased after the killing of JAAC leader Shahzaib Habib.While official figures put the death toll at 11, the archive said 19 children and seven pregnant women were among those killed during the period.The report also said Pakistan deployed about 14,000 troops from the mainland, imposed a comprehensive communications blockade and used live ammunition against convoys of unarmed mourners and civilians.Days ago, at least 50 British MPs wrote to the British government urging Britain to intervene against what they said was Pakistan’s “brutal” campaign against Kashmiri protesters and raising concerns about human rights abuses.The Pakistani authorities also ordered the prosecution of two JAAC leaders for sedition.Violence broke out in Mirpur division of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as protesters from several districts, including Bimpur and Kotli districts, gathered to march towards Muzaffarabad. Hundreds of people gathered in and around the Quaid-e-Azam Stadium in Mirpur before the rally began.Protests and strikes wreaked havoc across the region. Authorities in Polk suspended internet and mobile network services, while cities, towns and villages were completely shut down. Banks, medical shops and other essential facilities also remain closed in some areas.India on Tuesday condemned violence against protesters in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.Reacting to the situation, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had observed a “pattern of fake news and videos from Pakistan” related to the protests. “This is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to cover up its failures and divert attention from its human rights violations,” he said.Jaiswal also referred to reports of excessive use of force against civilians in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.“There are reports of serious police brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. We hope that the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its wrongdoings and abuses,” he added.His comments came as tensions continued to rise in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir amid deadly clashes between protesters and Pakistani security forces. Work stoppages are still ongoing in some areas, while violence in Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad disrupted communication services.