The situation in PoK has become extremely tense following security forces’ action against protesters demanding economic and political rights, a move that has drawn deep concern from organizations and political parties in Jammu and Kashmir.
Clashes between supporters of the banned protest group and security forces
Supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in PoK are demanding greater political representation and solutions to economic problems such as food shortages. Clashes between supporters of the banned protest group and security forces have reportedly left nine people dead and a dozen injured. Reports indicate that they had called for a march to Muzaffarabad this week, defying government warnings. However, protests that preceded the march turned violent. Human rights organizations have condemned the use of tear gas and lethal force by Pakistani security forces to combat protests in PoK. Sardar Waheed, the top civilian official in the Pakistan-occupied Poonch district, told AFP that a paramilitary soldier and a police officer were killed in Tuesday’s violence, adding that more protests were underway in Poonch district. And if protesters try to march towards the capital, authorities will stop the march.
political development of communities in Jammu and Kashmir
According to AFP data, in June, the local government banned the JAAC under the anti-terrorism law, which further escalated the unrest. This led to clashes between protesters and police, in which 22 people were killed.Concern is being expressed in Jammu and Kashmir over this development. Mirwaiz Amar Farooq said in an X-post that he was deeply concerned and saddened by the news of the deaths of civilians and Police A personnel. His prayers are with the families of the victims and all those affected by these tragic incidents.
Mirwaiz appealed to Pakistan to prioritize dialogue and urged protesting organizations to uphold their responsibilities. “My family has a long history of supporting the social, educational, religious, and political development of communities in Jammu and Kashmir, including those on the other side of the LOC,” he said. “I urge the Government of Pakistan and the local government to prioritize restraint and engagement through dialogue, resolve differences through consultation and accommodation rather than confrontation, and prioritize respect for human rights and the sanctity of human life.”
local assembly reserved for refugees
The JAAC’s demand is to remove 12 seats in the local assembly reserved for refugees from outside Kashmir, which are used by Pakistani political parties to contest regional elections, thus influencing the outcome of regional elections.
The BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit also expressed concern over reports of a growing humanitarian crisis in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and demanded an immediate halt to the use of force against civilians and the release of those detained during peaceful protests.Most shops remained closed and public transport was also disrupted in Poonch on Wednesday as protesters blocked roads.