Srinagar/New Delhi: Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been hit by civilian unrest, prompting a massive crackdown by the authorities to quell protests that have spread across the region. The protests initially began as a response to inflation, high taxation, and electricity shortages but have now evolved into a movement for rights and freedom.
A police officer was killed and 90 others were injured in fresh clashes on Saturday.
Protesters’ Demands:
The demonstrators have been shouting slogans for “azadi” (freedom). They clashed with police and security agencies in Muzaffarabad and other districts.
Joint Awami Action Committee:
The protests are spearheaded by the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, with traders at the forefront.
Shaukat Nawaz Mir, chairman of the Traders Association Muzaffarabad and member of the Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, stated: “There is going to be a complete shutter-down and wheel-jam strike observed across PoK and specifically in Muzaffarabad against the police brutality against our peaceful protesters in Dadyal.” He also added, “We reject imposition of taxes on electricity bills. Instead, we demand that electricity should be provided to consumers in accordance with the production cost of hydel power in the region
Arrests and Strikes:
Dozens of leaders and members of the Action Committee have been arrested after they called for a strike. The committee had previously staged a similar protest in August 2023.
Electricity Bills and Hydel Power:
The protesters reject the imposition of taxes on electricity bills and demand that electricity be provided to consumers based on the production cost of hydel power in the region.
India’s Stance:
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that PoK has always been a part of India. He attributed the current situation to the failure of earlier governments to ensure Pakistan vacated the region after Independence. He said, “PoK has never been out of this country. It has always been a part of this country. There is a resolution of the Indian parliament that PoK is very much a part of India.
“Now, how did other people get control? Ab ho jaata hai (it happens) when you have someone who is not a responsible custodian of a house, an outsider will come and steal something” during an interactive session in Cuttack.
Pakistan’s Response:
PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Statement:
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern about the situation in AJK. He called for peaceful dialogue and resolution of demands, urging all parties to avoid violence and damage to government properties.
The chants of “Azadi” have resonated across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reflecting the disenchantment over basic amenities and the desire for freedom and rights. As the protests continue, the situation remains precarious in the region
