Islamabad – Protests against the Pakistani government continue in three major cities of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Following an appeal by the PoK’s Awami Action Committee (AAC), shops, markets, and roads were closed across the region on Monday.
Local people have taken to the streets against inflation, unemployment, and excesses by the Pakistani army. Incidents of stone-pelting on security force convoys have also been reported.
In Kotli on Saturday, security forces opened fire on unarmed protesters, after which the protesters chanted slogans against the army, such as “We are your death.”
Government Deploys Heavy Security
Thousands of people in cities like Kotli, Rawalkot, and Muzaffarabad are chanting slogans for freedom and for the Pakistani army to leave. The government has deployed heavy security to suppress the protests.
AAC leaders stated: “We are only demanding our rights, which we have not received for 70 years. Now the government must give us our rights.”
AAC has placed 38 demands before the government, of which 3 are major…
- Demand to abolish the 12 legislative assembly seats created for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan.
- Demand that the benefits for local people in power projects be taken into account.
- Demand for relief on flour and electricity bills, as people are troubled by inflation.
Entry Ban on Journalists in PoK
The Pakistani government has banned the entry of journalists and tourists into PoK. Local reporters are also alleging that they are being prevented from providing neutral coverage. Furthermore, several human rights organizations are also raising their voices on this issue.
Internet has been shut down in PoK since midnight. The government fears that these protests could turn into a widespread demand for independence.
Protests Have Occurred Several Times Before in PoK
There have been several protests against the army and government in PoK before. Last year in May, people went on strike for cheap flour and electricity. People say that although electricity is generated from the Mangla Dam located in PoK, they do not get cheap electricity.
Similarly, in 2023, people also took to the streets against rising electricity prices and the removal of wheat subsidies. In 2022, people also blocked roads and chanted slogans for independence against a government law.
