Basit Zargar/Srinagar

The Association of Terror Victims Kashmir (ATVK), led by its Chairperson Tasleema Akhter, staged a protest at Lal Chowk and the UNO office in Sonwar on Thursday, demanding justice for civilians reportedly killed in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). 

The protesters expressed concern over the deaths of innocent civilians in areas including Rawalakot and condemned the alleged use of force against demonstrators. Holding placards and raising slogans, participants called for accountability and urged the international community to take note of the situation. 

A resident participating in the protest said, "The killing of innocent Muslims is condemnable. Today, there is anger across Kashmir because innocent people were killed there; in some families, three to four members were killed. If they were protesting or raising their voice against inflation, what was their fault?"

In the meantime, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq has also stated the rampant killings in PoJK.

In his post on X, he said:

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.

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 grievance and demands in this manner.
When people take…

— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) June 10, 2026

The protesters demanded an independent investigation into the reported killings and called for justice for the affected families. They also appealed to human rights organisations to intervene and examine the situation in the region. The demonstration concluded peacefully amid a strong police presence in the city centre.

According to reports, more than 30 people have been killed and nearly 200 others injured in clashes between protesters and security forces in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the ban on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). This prominent civil society alliance has led protests over economic and political grievances in the region. 

Former Chief Miister Dr Farooq Abdullah also condemned the crackdown on PoJK protesters while speaking with mediapersons:

#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: On protests in PoK, National Conference President, Farooq Abdullah says, "This state is in a difficult situation. The part that is with Pakistan is where oppression is happening today. Many people have been martyred there. Full details of the news are not… pic.twitter.com/gEAea7Gla3

— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2026

Speaking during the demonstration, ATVK Chairperson Tasleema Akhter alleged that Pakistani security forces targeted unarmed civilians. "We are protesting for the people of Jammu and Kashmir who were unarmed and innocent, who were massacred by Pakistan in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including Rawalakot."

Earlier Javed Baigh, a political activists marched to the UNMGOIP office in Srinagar and asked its officials to intervene in the suppression of people of PoJK:

#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K | Kashmiri activist Javed Beigh says, "Today, we are holding a symbolic protest and submitting a memorandum on behalf of the people of Jammu & Kashmir to the UN office (UNMOGIP). This protest and memorandum address the atrocities being committed in PoJK,… pic.twitter.com/29GWCjTEU9

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2026

ALSO READ: POJK people are no longer ready to put up with Pak's delusionary Kashmir policy

Akhter said. "The Pakistan Army did not spare anyone—whether children, adults, mothers, sisters, or the elderly. Their rangers opened fire on those innocent, unarmed people, shooting at them from rooftops," she added.

#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: Members of the 'Association of Terror Victims', led by Chairperson Tasleema Akhtar, held a peaceful protest against the killing of civilians by the Pakistan Army in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). pic.twitter.com/oo6gtaF6SV

— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2026