ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Indian television outlet Republic TV has once again circulated fake claims of violent clashes in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), alleging that protesters pelted buses carrying law enforcement personnel with stones and that security agencies responded with live firing.
However, the claims have been challenged by the actual account of events on the ground, with the circulated visuals described as old, unrelated and misleading.
According to the available local account, a group of protesters attempting to forcibly close markets over local trade-related issues in an area neighbouring Muzaffarabad faced resistance from other trade unions. AJK Police subsequently intervened to restore order, allowing markets to continue operating normally.
The claim that Pakistan Army or Pakistan Rangers personnel were deployed in Muzaffarabad is also disputed. According to the clarification provided, neither force was deployed in the city.
Fact Check: What Actually Happened in Muzaffarabad?
The clarification states that the incident involved a local dispute over market closures, not the large-scale clashes portrayed in the Indian television report.
Furthermore, the following points challenge the narrative circulated by Republic TV:
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No reported Army deployment: Neither the Pakistan Army nor Pakistan Rangers were deployed in Muzaffarabad, according to the clarification.
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No confirmed live firing: The account provided does not support the claim that security forces opened fire on protesters.
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Old and unrelated visuals: The circulated footage has been described as recycled material unrelated to the reported incident. Its authenticity and original date require independent verification.
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Markets operating normally: Local reporting on November 8 also indicates that businesses and transport services continued operating across AJK
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Police restored order: AJK Police intervened following tensions over attempts to close markets, allowing commercial activities to continue.
