PoK residents demand justice for Naeem Butt

Poonch/Muzaffarabad (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), May 8 (ANI): Protests continue in different parts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) against government and police inaction on arresting the killers of Naeem Butt.

In Muzaffarabad, a rally was carried out to demand justice for Naeen Butt, an activist of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), who was killed in police firing on March 16 this year.

Protesters threatened that peaceful protests could turn violent in the days to come if their demands were not met.

Sardar Liaqat Hayat, Chairman, Jammu Kashmir National Awami Party (JKNAP), said, "We are keeping all options open. But we are not in a position to keep intact our peaceful struggle. We are feeling pressure from our party workers also that peaceful protest is projected as our weakness by the government. We will see for a few more days and then our peaceful protest will turn aggressive."

In Poonch district, where Naeem Butt was killed, protests are being held at frequent intervals.

The protesters, mostly traders, close their shops and take part in a protest march to demand the immediate arrest of army personnel involved in the killing of Naeem Butt.

They also shouted slogans against the Deputy Commissioner and demanded action against the PoK government and the police for their inaction.

The activists demanded a judicial inquiry on the targetted killing.

Mahmood Kashmiri, Chairman, Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance, "When a peaceful voice gets suppressed and brutal means are forced against people, the rulers must understand that no other option is left. Naeem Butt was target killed."

The people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have been facing intense problems due to cross border firing and militant activities in the region.

Earlier on March 16, a large crowd demonstrated against the Pakistan Army, and accused it of provoking the Indian forces into violating the ceasefire along the Line of Control and the International Border.

Many people have been killed in firing on both sides of the border. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI