The situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK) worsened overnight as protesters refused to disperse and security forces allegedly opened fire on demonstrators. Reports from PoJK said that the security forces launched a midnight crackdown on protesters, with gunfire reported in Rawalakot.

An Intelligence Bureau official said the reported gunfire came as scores of women and children joined the ongoing protest. Many women and children have remained at the protest site for the past 50 days, with dozens more joining them yesterday. According to data updated by the Human Rights Council of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir as of yesterday, a total of 80 fatalities have been documented.

The protests began with the people of the region asking for better amenities and more development. Protesters have now announced plans to march to Muzaffarabad to voice their opposition to what they describe as a heavily manipulated election. They allege that Pakistan’s extensive interference in the administration of PoJK has undermined the democratic process and left the region with little or no development.