'They'll arrest us at hospitals': PoK protesters risk death over electricity, flour demands

Protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK) demanding basic services like cheaper electricity and flour have escalated into deadly confrontations between demonstrators and security forces. Dozens of people have reportedly died across the region in recent weeks, according to the BBC. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which spearheads the movement, asserts that an agreement reached with the Pakistani and PoK governments in October, aimed at addressing some of their grievances, has not been implemented.

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They'll arrest us at hospitals

Protesters are reportedly avoiding hospitals for treatment of gunshot wounds due to fears of arrest. A makeshift clinic in Rawalakot, a major protest hub, has treated approximately 50 to 60 critically injured individuals since July 27, including an estimated 15 to 20 with gunshot wounds. Doctors at the facility can provide only basic emergency care, lacking the equipment for serious internal injuries.

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The movement says an agreement reached with the governments of Pakistan and PoK in October to address some of its demands has not been implemented.

The JAAC maintains that its demonstrations are peaceful and focused on economic and basic rights. The group denies responsibility for violence and refutes allegations of being foreign-funded or linked to India. Authorities, however, have banned the JAAC, labeling them "foreign-funded terrorists" and accusing them of being armed and attempting to disrupt regional elections. Officials have presented footage and weapons they claim were recovered from the group, while denying that security forces fired indiscriminately at peaceful protesters.

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The BBC visited a makeshift clinic near the main protest site, where a spare bedroom had been converted into a medical supply area and a bed placed outside beneath a tarpaulin was being used to treat injured protesters.