At least 20 people were killed and dozens critically injured during the Long March organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on 28 July, as Pakistani security forces launched a violent crackdown on protesters converging at Rawalakot. The death toll is expected to climb, with several of the injured reported to be in critical condition.

What JAAC Reported

In a post on X on Tuesday, the JAAC confirmed that march caravans had reached Rawalakot city. 'The identities of 19 deceased individuals have been confirmed, while one person did not have identification documents and sustained a bullet wound to the head; his body is present at the Palandri Hospital. Thus, the total deaths have reached at least 20. In addition, other details are contingent upon daylight breaking and the restoration of communications,' the committee stated.

The JAAC further said protesters were present at Chandni Chowk in Rawalakot city, and that a gathering would be held at Shahid Chowk once daylight arrived, at which the future course of action would be announced.

How the March Unfolded

The Long March was called after talks between the JAAC and Pakistani authorities reportedly broke down without a mutually acceptable outcome, prompting a renewed push for public mobilisation. It began from Mirpur Division on Sunday, with caravans converging at the Rawalakot sit-in before proceeding toward Muzaffarabad on Monday.

According to the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), Pakistani security forces on Monday evening launched a violent crackdown against peaceful protesters in Rawalakot, allegedly deploying live ammunition, heavy shelling, tear gas, and other forms of force against civilians. The group warned that 'shelling and the use of live ammunition continue, raising fears of further loss of civilian life.'

International Appeal

The UKPNP on Tuesday called on the United Nations, international human rights organisations, and democratic governments to take immediate action — specifically demanding an end to the use of live ammunition, shelling, and excessive force against civilians by Pakistani forces. The appeal underscores growing concern that the region's communications blackout and curfew are shielding the crackdown from outside scrutiny.

India's Response

Last month, India formally condemned what it described as a pattern of disinformation by Pakistan to cover up human rights abuses in PoK. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing a weekly media briefing, said: 'There are reports of police brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in which several people have been killed, and there are several more who have been injured. We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses.'

This is not the first time PoK has witnessed large-scale protests against Islamabad's administration. The ongoing unrest represents one of the most sustained direct challenges to Pakistan's control over the region in recent years, with activists, civil society groups, and political organisations all demanding accountability. How Islamabad responds in the coming days — and whether international pressure materialises — will define the next phase of the crisis.