Massive protests hit PoK against Pakistan

Protestors claim “decades of political marginalisation and economic neglect” by Pakistan establishment.

STC NEWS MONITORING DESK
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 29 (STC): Massive protest have been reported from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) against “decades of political marginalisation and economic neglect.” This is reported to be one of its largest protests in recent history in the region and the Awami Action Committee (AAC) is behind these protests.
According to the NDTV report, the call for a “shutter-down and wheel-jam” strike – potentially indefinite – has triggered heightened tensions, with Islamabad deploying security forces en masse and cutting internet access from midnight to curb mobilisation.
As per the reports, the AAC, a civil society alliance that has gained traction in recent months, has rallied thousands under its banner, citing
The NDTV report states that the group’s 38-point charter demands structural reforms, including the abolition of 12 legislative seats in the PoK assembly reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, which locals argue undermines representative governance. “Other priorities include subsidised flour, fairer power tariffs tied to the Mangla hydropower project, and implementation of long-delayed reforms promised by Islamabad,” reveals the report.
“Our campaign is not against any institution but for the fundamental rights denied to our people for over 70 years,” said Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a core AAC leader, addressing crowds in Muzaffarabad. “Enough is enough. Either deliver on rights or face the wrath of the people,” he added.
Meanwhile, reports reveal that authorities have responded with a show of strength. In recent days, heavily armed convoys staged flag marches through major PoK towns, while thousands of troops were moved in from Punjab. On Saturday and Sunday, police sealed entry and exit points of key cities, with surveillance stepped up around sensitive installations.
Traders’ associations in Muzaffarabad announced they would keep shops open on Sunday, giving citizens a chance to stockpile food and essentials before the shutdown. Social media posts show the citizens of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) can be seen chanting slogans for freedom from the forced occupation of Pakistan.

(Inputs from Agencies / Straight Talk Communications)