One person was killed and several others injured in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after trade bodies and civil society groups launched an indefinite shutter-down and wheel-jam strike starting September 29. 
The strike, organized by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), was called over the government&rsquo;s failure to address its charter of demands.
Tensions escalated as rival groups staged counter-protests, with each side accusing the other of triggering violence during what began as a peaceful demonstration. 
Adding to the turmoil, authorities imposed a communication blackout on Sunday, suspending internet, mobile, and landline services across the region.
The fatal clash occurred near Neelum Bridge on Monday when a &ldquo;peace rally&rdquo; led by Muslim Conference leader Raja Saqib Majeed confronted JKJAAC protesters. 
Eyewitnesses told Dawn News that participants of the rally allegedly opened fire on demonstrators without provocation.
A bullet struck 30-year-old Mohammad Sudheer, a crockery shop owner, who was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to excessive bleeding.

Protesters clash on Neelum Bridge, chaos unfolds

Violence mars PoK strike; one killed, many hurt amid protests and rival rallies

Clashes In PoK Strike Leave One Dead

Violence mars PoK strike; one killed, many hurt amid protests and rival rallies

September 30, 2025 | 16:30 IST