Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir began a series of protests against the Pakistani government last week to highlight the region’s poor economic conditions and underdevelopment.
The civil unrest was sparked when Pakistani police attempted to suppress protests under the banner of the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). JAAC called for electricity supply commensurate with local hydropower generation costs, flour subsidies, and subsidies. The privileges of the elite class will end.
Clashes broke out when residents and police personnel tried to stop a rally demanding Muzaffarabad through Kotli and Poonch districts.
One police officer was killed and more than 100 others, mostly police officers, were injured in violent clashes between security forces and agitated demonstrators.
“The protests are due to the deteriorating economic situation and the (Pakistani) federal government’s ignorance. They have been victims of ignorance since the last 70 years,” said a person familiar with the matter. CNN News 18.
“For generations, they have not been allowed to grow financially and are being used to settle Pakistan’s political agenda against India in international forums,” the official said. .
The official also emphasized that the protests were not just about exorbitant electricity bills, rising bills, high taxes and unemployment, but also against brutality by the Pakistani police and the Pakistani military. did.
Anti-Pakistani sentiment rose to such an extent that some posters were seen in Rawalakot demanding merger with India.
A government official familiar with this development said. CNN News 18 These are not new developments; such protests have occurred before. However, they stressed that social media has made people aware of the reality.
“While the Union Territory of Kashmir is ushering in a new world with more jobs (opportunities) and tourism, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir lacks the basic necessities of life.” officials said.
“Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is being used as a terrorist base and a launching pad (for terrorists), but nothing is being given (to its residents). We want Pakistan to return Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to us. “We hope that,” the official added.
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Edited by: Shankyanil Sarkar
First published: May 13, 2024, 07:38 IST
