Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed deep concern over violent unrest in the Pakistan-controlled part of Kashmir, urging demonstrators to remain peaceful and instructing the police to show restraint.
His appeal came after four days of pitched battles in Muzaffarabad, the regional capital, as well as in other smaller cities, left at least nine people dead, including three policemen, and more than 150 injured.
“Peaceful protest is every citizen’s constitutional and democratic right,” Mr. Sharif said, while warning that public order must not be threatened. He announced financial assistance for victims’ families, a transparent investigation into the violence and the sending of a high-level committee to negotiate with protest leaders.
His appeal came after four days of pitched battles in Muzaffarabad, the regional capital, as well as in other smaller cities, left at least nine people dead, including three policemen, and more than 150 injured.
“Peaceful protest is every citizen’s constitutional and democratic right,” Mr. Sharif said, while warning that public order must not be threatened. He announced financial assistance for victims’ families, a transparent investigation into the violence and the sending of a high-level committee to negotiate with protest leaders.