At least 12 people were killed and dozens more injured when Pakistani security forces opened fire on unarmed protesters in Rawalakot, a town in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The incident occurred on June 11, 2026, during a demonstration organized by local residents demanding basic rights and an end to military rule in the region.
Details of the Incident
According to eyewitnesses, the protest began peacefully in the morning, with hundreds of men, women, and children gathering in the main square of Rawalakot. They were chanting slogans against the Pakistani military and demanding the restoration of democratic rights, which have been suspended since the region was placed under direct military control last year. The situation escalated when a contingent of Pakistani Army personnel arrived at the scene and ordered the crowd to disperse. When the protesters refused, the troops opened fire without warning.
Local hospital officials confirmed receiving at least 12 bodies, with many of the injured in critical condition. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue. Witnesses reported that the firing lasted for several minutes, causing panic and chaos. Many protesters were shot in the back as they tried to flee.
Reactions and Condemnation
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and political leaders across the region. The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government, which holds nominal authority in the region, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and called for an independent inquiry. However, the Pakistani military has not issued any official statement regarding the incident.
In a statement, the United Nations Human Rights Office urged Pakistan to respect the rights of peaceful assembly and to ensure that those responsible for the use of excessive force are held accountable. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs also condemned the massacre, calling it a reflection of the oppressive policies of the Pakistani army in the region.
Background
Rawalakot is the headquarters of the Poonch district in PoK and has been a hotspot for anti-military protests in recent months. The region has seen growing discontent over the lack of basic amenities, including electricity, water, and healthcare, as well as the absence of political freedoms. The protest on June 11 was part of a larger movement calling for the restoration of civilian rule and the withdrawal of the military from administrative affairs.
This is not the first time Pakistani forces have used lethal force against protesters in the region. In April 2026, similar clashes resulted in the deaths of five civilians in the neighboring district of Bagh. Human rights groups have consistently documented cases of arbitrary detention, torture, and enforced disappearances by Pakistani security forces in PoK.
The latest massacre has further inflamed tensions in the region, with calls for a UN-supervised plebiscite to determine the future of Kashmir. As news of the killings spread, protests erupted in other parts of PoK, including Muzaffarabad and Mirpur, with demonstrators demanding justice for the victims.
