Srinagar, June 10 (IANS) Chief cleric and senior religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said on Wednesday that he is deeply disturbed by the killings in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in police firing.

Mirwaiz Umar wrote on X: “Deeply disturbed by the news coming from across the LoC. The killing of more than a dozen protesting civilians and police personnel is extremely sad. The Government there should know better than to use force to handle public grievances and demands in this manner. When people take to the streets to express their concerns, it is a signal that they seek to be heard. It is the responsibility of those in authority to listen, engage and peacefully resolve the matter, rather than allow it to escalate into violence, arbitrary arrests and loss of life. Hope and pray that better sense prevails and the matter is handled with maturity while addressing the concerns of the people.”

His remarks came after more than 20 people were reportedly killed in recent police action on protesters in several parts of PoK.

On Tuesday, India came down hard on Pakistan for its “brutality” against people in PoK and called on the international community to hold that country accountable for its “abuses”.

Reports said 22 people were killed, including seven pregnant women, when civilian protesters were fired upon by Pakistan Rangers. Nearly 200 civilians were injured, and over 500 others were arrested during these protests.

Another report said the PoK administration launched a search operation for four protesters and announced a bounty of Rs 1 crore for information leading to the arrest of leaders linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) after massive protests in the region.

The PoK administration had banned the Joint Awami Action Committee, triggering mass unrest. It must also be noted that although the region is purportedly governed by an elected government, it is in fact an “appointed puppet government” installed by Islamabad.

–IANS

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