Rebellion breaks out in PoK, authorities enforce lockdown as crisis deepens

Islamabad(The Uttam Hindu): The situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continues to deteriorate. Fed up with the policies and atrocities of the Pakistani government, the public has now openly taken to the streets. A large-scale anti-government protest has begun under the leadership of the Awami Action Committee (AAC). A strike was announced on Monday, resulting in lockdown-like conditions in the cities. Life paralyzed, thousands took to the streets. Thousands of people joined the protests from Muzaffarabad to Kotli. Markets were completely closed, roads were blocked and public transport was halted. Protesters chanted "justice" and "rights" and vehemently protested against the Pakistani government.

Demands of Awami Action Committee: The Awami Action Committee, which has gained popularity in recent months has presented a 38-point charter. Its key demands include abolishing the 12 seats reserved for Pakistani refugees in the PoK Assembly implementing fair rates for electricity from the Mangla Hydro Project; providing subsidized flour and implementing pending reforms by Islamabad. The movement has attracted a large number of young people and continues to garner widespread public support. "The government considers PoK a colony," said AAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir, "Our struggle is for the basic rights that have been denied to us since 1947. The Pakistan government treats PoK as its colony, while we are citizens with equal rights."

The Pakistani government is taking repressive measures.

In view of the rapidly spreading protests, the Pakistani administration has started taking strict measures. Heavy deployment of security forces has been done in many areas. Internet services have been banned. Entry and exit points have been blocked in many cities including Muzaffarabad. Efforts are being made to control the situation by calling additional forces from Islamabad. Many videos of the protests are going viral on social media in which people of PoK are seen openly raising slogans against the Pakistani government. Considering the circumstances, the situation may become more violent.