8 More Killed in Poonch Division as Clashes Escalate; Several Injured, Three Critical, Situation Remains Tense
RAWALAKOT / BALOCH / TARARKHAL — At least five people were killed and several others injured in multiple clashes that erupted overnight between Monday and Tuesday, and continued into Tuesday morning across Poonch Division of Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
The incidents occurred as security forces advanced toward protest sit-ins in Baloch tehsil of Sudhnoti district and at the Rawalakot bus terminal. While no official confirmation has been issued by government authorities, local sources reported that a convoy of forces marching from Kotli Sarsawa toward Baloch was intercepted by residents in Saran and Baloch. When locals attempted to block their passage, forces allegedly opened fire on the protesters.
According to local sources, the firing resulted in the on-spot deaths of Zahid Yaseen, an aspiring member of the Legislative Assembly, along with Zafar Mughal, Arslan Kabir, and Ehsanullah, all succumbing to bullet wounds. Multiple others were injured in the incident, including Raqeeb Abid and Ijaz, both critically wounded. Raqeeb Abid, who sustained two bullet injuries, has been referred to Rawalpindi for treatment.
A separate incident occurred during a security operation at the ongoing protest sit-in at the Rawalakot bus terminal. Local sources stated that Wajid Hayat, a resident of Soon Topa, was injured by gunfire during the forces’ action and later succumbed to his wounds. According to official sources, one Rangers personnel was also killed in the exchange of fire.
Residents reported that heavy and light weapons were used alongside tear gas shelling, injuring two young men. One of the injured youths, Nasir, was reportedly shifted to Pallandri Hospital after receiving initial medical aid.
Meanwhile, clashes between forces and civilians continue in Bethak Awanabad, where reports so far indicate two deaths and seven injuries. The deceased have been identified as Mansoor, a resident of Qillan Manshaabad, and Adeel Rafiq, a young man from Poth Bazaar. Adeel Rafiq is reported to be 17 years old.
Bethak Awanabad is located approximately 15 kilometers from Baloch Bazaar, the headquarters of Baloch tehsil, in the direction of Tararkhal. Forces are reportedly attempting to move from Baloch toward Tararkhal or beyond the Poonch sit-in to Banjonsa and Khai Gala. Following the Baloch incident, residents have blocked roads in Bethak Awanabad and surrounding markets to obstruct the forces’ advance, while shelling and firing in Bethak Awanabad continue.
The situation across Poonch Division remains extremely tense following these incidents. No official information is being released by government authorities; however, local sources report that curfew has been imposed in Tararkhal. Road blockades have been erected at various locations, security forces are patrolling urban areas, and traffic movement has been severely disrupted in several regions.
To date, no formal confirmation or detailed statement regarding the killings or other incidents has been issued by the government, district administration, or relevant security institutions.
It is noteworthy that the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Public Action Committee has announced a Long March toward Muzaffarabad on July 15.