PoK journalists stage protests against police raid in Muzaffarabad

Hundreds of journalists in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday, October 23, staged a massive protest following a raid conducted by Pakistani security forces at the Muzaffarabad Press Club. The journalists condemned the raid by raising slogans against the security forces and said the attack was "unacceptable". 

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Raid on Muzaffarabad Press Club

The police raided the press club on Tuesday, October 22, when a media briefing was in process. The media briefing was conducted by Jammu Kashmir People's National Alliance (JKPNA), which had also called for a protest on Thursday outside Pakistan High Commission. The raid reportedly resulted in several journalists who ended up with injuries. Moreover, the raid also occurred when people in PoK were observing 'black day' to register their protest on the 72nd anniversary of the Invasion Day.  

READ: Displaced PoK Residents Observe Black Day, Stage Protests In New Delhi

'Black Day'

Notably, on this day, the Pakistani forces had invaded Jammu and Kashmir. The police who raided the premises barred demonstrators from holding any anti-government protests. In addition, the police also resorted to firing tear gas shells and conducted lathi-charge during the pro-freedom rally. Various political parties under the aegis of All Independent Parties alliance (AIPA) in PoK had called for a pro-freedom rally in Muzaffarabad today to mark the day. 

READ: Muzaffarabad: Pak Police Continues Brutality In PoK; Attacks Journos

Genocide, rape, abduction and plunder

Similar protests were witnessed on October 22, last year in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Gilgit, Rawalpindi and other areas. PoK Displaced Persons observed "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. According to him, on this date in 1947 tribals were hired by Pakistan Army to attack Hindus & Sikhs of Muzaffarabad district of J&K State. Rajiv Chunni also added that 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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(With ANI Inputs)