2 Dead, 22 Injured as Protests Against Pakistani Government Turn Violent in PoK ISLAMABAD: At least two people were killed and 22 others injured in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), after massive protests against the Pakistani government turned violent on Monday. The demonstrations, led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), were organized to demand fundamental rights and address long-standing grievances.
The situation escalated when armed members of the Muslim Conference, allegedly backed by the Pakistan Army and ISI, confronted the protestors. There are reports of the armed men firing on the protestors, and videos have surfaced showing the ensuing chaos.
The protests led to a complete shutdown of the region, with businesses closing and transport services coming to a halt. In response to the escalating situation, the Pakistani government has deployed thousands of soldiers in the area and has reportedly sent an additional 1,000 troops from Islamabad. Internet services in the region have also been suspended to curb mobilization.
The AAC has put forth a 38-point charter of demands to the government. A key demand is the abolition of 12 seats in the PoK Assembly that are reserved for Kashmiri refugees, which the protestors believe undermines local representation.
Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a leader of the AAC, has warned the Pakistani government that the current protests are just “Plan A,” and that the committee has more drastic measures planned if their demands are not met. “Either grant the rights or face the wrath of the people,” Mir stated, adding that the people’s patience is wearing thin.
This recent unrest follows an incident last week where the Pakistan Air Force bombed a village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing 30 civilians in an operation purportedly targeting terrorists. This has further fueled the anger and frustration among the people of PoK.
