‘My only son was shot standing up for justice’ – inside city gripped by deadly protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir
Tragedy in Rawalakot: A Mother’s Son Falls While Demanding Justice
Constantvpn.com – Within a modest home near the heart of Rawalakot’s demonstrations, a spare room serves as a medical storage space. Outside, beneath a crimson tarp, lies Shafqat Hussain. The young man has been struck by a bullet in his chest. Blood from earlier casualties already marks the sheet beneath him. He is fading fast.
Dr. Anwar operates this temporary medical facility. His name, like many others mentioned here, has been altered to safeguard those involved. The doctor explains that their resources allow for basic emergency care. They can control bleeding, clean wounds, and extract surface-level projectiles. However, individuals suffering from severe damage to vital areas require specialized hospital treatment. Even larger medical centers would face challenges if numerous critical cases arrived simultaneously.
A Region in Turmoil
Over the past eight weeks, numerous residents have lost their lives during confrontations between security personnel and demonstrators affiliated with the Joint Awami Action Committee. This territory, populated by approximately 4.5 million individuals, is currently conducting electoral proceedings. The BBC stands as the inaugural news organization to enter Rawalakot and converse with participants at the center of these events.
Since July 27, the clinic has cared for between 50 and 60 patients in critical condition. Dr. Anwar personally attended to 15 to 20 individuals who sustained gunshot injuries. Many demonstrators hesitate to visit the primary hospital, worrying about potential arrest or being shot. Local authorities dispute this concern.
“Most of those who have been killed or seriously injured are young people between about 15-16 years old and 32-35 years old. I have seen very few patients over the age of 40.”
The Root of the Dispute
At Hussain’s side sits his companion, Ali, wiping tears with his shawl. He struggles to speak through emotion.
“We only asked for affordable flour, electricity and our basic rights. Instead, our brothers are being killed. What was our crime? Why are live bullets being fired at us?”
The JAAC maintains that their demonstrations concern fundamental rights, including electricity costs, education access, and healthcare services. An accord reached with both Pakistan and PAK administrations in October was intended to address these issues. According to the JAAC, this agreement remains unfulfilled. Local officials disagree, asserting that the group carries weapons and seeks to disrupt current voting processes. They refuse to permit protesters to march toward Muzaffarabad, the regional capital.
Authorities banned the JAAC in June, designating them as foreign-funded terrorists. The organization denies this label, describing themselves as peaceful citizens. While receiving financial support from the PAK diaspora, they insist India does not sponsor them. Rather than provoking conflict, they argue they are targets of Pakistan’s security forces.
Families Bear the Loss
With communications disrupted and thoroughfares obstructed, gathering information has proven challenging. Once inside the city, BBC correspondents met with numerous families who reported losing relatives during the demonstrations.
“We were only asking for our rights. We are not terrorists. No mother could ask for a better son. He knew there were risks, but he believed standing up for justice was important. He used to say that dying for a just cause was an honour.”
Asma shared these words about her only child, who was shot while standing at the protest. Salman spoke of his brother, the youngest in their family and beloved by all.
“He was the youngest in the family and was loved by everyone. It is a great loss for us. At the same time I feel proud that he gave his life while standing up for the rights of the people. He was not fighting or attacking anyone.”
Ayub, a retired military member, also lost his son. He placed responsibility on the PAK government rather than Pakistan’s armed forces, noting that local authorities summoned paramilitary units.
“I am a retired soldier. I lived through the martial law periods of General Zia-ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf. But I have never seen anything like what is happening now. In my opinion, it is extreme injustice. My son had done nothing wrong. None of the protesters had done anything wrong.”
Pakistan-administered Kashmir remains in the midst of local elections. The PAK government has stated it denies accusations that security personnel fired without discrimination at demonstrators.
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