Pakistan Troop Build-Up Near LoC Raises Tensions; Army Chief Asim Munir Visits Muzaffarabad

Srinagar: Amid escalating unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pakistan has reportedly stepped up military deployment in areas close to the Line of Control (LoC), prompting heightened security concerns. Intelligence inputs indicate that a large number of Pakistani troops have been moved to Athmuqam Degree College, a strategically significant location opposite the Kupwara and Gurez sectors of Jammu and Kashmir.

Situated on the banks of the Neelam (Kishanganga) River, Athmuqam lies around 80 km from Muzaffarabad and is considered a sensitive area along the LoC. Security agencies believe the increased military activity is unusual and comes at a time when protests continue to intensify across PoK.

Adding to the developments, Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Muzaffarabad on Thursday morning to review the evolving situation in the region.

Women Protesters Allegedly Face Crackdown

Reports from Kotli in PoK claim that Pakistani security forces used force against women participating in a peaceful protest. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Human Rights Observatory (JKHRO), police and army personnel allegedly resorted to baton charges, tear gas shelling, pellet firing, and live rounds to disperse demonstrators, leaving around 50 women seriously injured.

JKHRO Claims 91 Deaths During Protest Movement

The JKHRO has alleged that 91 people have lost their lives during the ongoing agitation in PoK. The organization said 43 deaths have been confirmed, while verification is underway in four additional cases. It also claimed that nearly 200 women have been detained by security forces during the crackdown.

Gilgit-Baltistan Students Extend Support

The United Gilgit-Baltistan Students Organization (UGBSO) has publicly backed the protesters in PoK. In a statement issued on Thursday, the organisation said thousands of students from Gilgit-Baltistan have studied in Rawalakot over the years and expressed solidarity with the ongoing movement. The group also criticised the Pakistan Army’s alleged actions against civilians and called for an end to the crackdown.