PoK: 2 dead, 80 injured after police lathi-charge protesters

Due to police’s brutal lathi-charge on protestors during a peaceful pro-freedom rally held in Muzaffarabad city in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), on Tuesday, October 22, two civilians were reportedly killed while approximately 80 others incurred serious injuries.  

Peaceful protest to observe "black day"

Various political parties under the All Independent Parties Alliance (AIPA) in PoK organized for a pro-freedom rally in Muzaffarabad on October 22, to observe "black day". Notably, it was on this day in 1947 that Pakistani forces had invaded Jammu and Kashmir. 

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Locals took to the streets in huge numbers to register their protest on the 72nd anniversary of the Invasion Day. Denying the demonstrators permission to hold anti-government protest, the police allegedly resorted to using tear gas shells and lathi-charged the crowd to break them up. 

According to reports, October 22 is marked as the "black day" by the local people of the PoK and Gilgit Baltistan, as the struggle to force Pakistan to leave their territory. Before the brutal incident occurred, protestors announced that they have gathered to carry out peaceful protests to mark the day and in case the administration shows any aggressiveness, they will go to "any extent to have their voices heard and their demands to be catered".  

Read: Displaced PoK Persons To Observe 'Black Day' On Monday

Rajiv Chunni observes "Black Day" in New Delhi

Similar protests were witnessed on October 22, last year in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Gilgit, Rawalpindi and other areas. PoK Displaced Persons are to observe "Black Day" on October 22, 2019, at New Delhi's Jantar-Mantar, Chairman of S.O.S. International - an organization for PoK Displaced Persons - Rajiv Chunni said. He said on this date in 1947 tribals were hired by Pakistan Army to attack Hindus & Sikhs of Muzaffarabad district of J&K State.  

Read: Centre Announces Compensation For PoK Refugees Outside Jammu-Kashmir

Rajiv Chunni also said PoK Displaced Persons were subjected to genocide, rape, abduction and plunder. Chunni added that the day is observed to pay homage and to remember all those who sacrificed their lives and were subjected to barbaric and inhuman acts and stated this day is marked as a Black Day in the History of mankind on October 22 every year. 

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