Islamabad, Sep 29 (NationPress) Tragically, two individuals lost their lives and 22 others sustained injuries during violent confrontations that erupted in Muzaffarabad, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, amid ongoing protests against the Pakistani government on Monday. Numerous reports suggest that gangs, allegedly backed by the Pakistani army and the ISI-supported Muslim Conference, were observed firing upon citizens voicing their basic rights in PoK.

Footage of the unrest broadcasted by local news outlets emerged on social media, depicting significant chaos on the streets. In one clip, a man can be seen firing shots into the air while others climbed atop vehicles surrounded by protesters brandishing flags and chanting slogans. Another video showed a protester brandishing a handful of spent bullets.

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) observed a complete shutdown and wheel jam strike on Monday, responding to a call from the Public Action Committee, which has put forth a 38-point charter of demands, according to local media.

Markets and transportation services were halted, and communication networks faced disruptions as residents expressed their growing frustration over unmet demands. Samaa TV reported that commercial centers, markets, and truck depots in Muzaffarabad remained closed, leading to a deserted atmosphere on the roads.

Hotels and shops were also closed in PoJK, while classrooms remained empty as most students refrained from attending school due to the strike.

For the second consecutive day, internet and mobile phone services were suspended in PoJK, with telephone services also disrupted, further isolating the populace from the outside world.

The Public Action Committee's demands include abolishing the 12 reserved seats for refugees and revoking privileges held by the elite, Samaa TV noted. They have announced plans for a rally later in the day.

In response to the protests, Pakistani authorities displayed a show of force.

Over the weekend, large convoys of armed police and paramilitary units conducted flag marches across nearly all district headquarters of PoK, with significant deployments at city entry and exit points and stringent surveillance at sensitive areas, as reported by Pakistan's leading daily, Dawn.

The Islamabad police were instructed to bolster security personnel in PoK in light of the strike, with the police chief promising to dispatch 1,000 additional officers following directives from federal authorities.