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Key Points

Protests have erupted across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with people taking to the streets in massive numbers. The situation turned deadly in Muzaffarabad where police firing killed two protesters and injured many others. People from Kotli to Mirpur are demanding economic relief and political autonomy through the Joint Awami Action Committee. Their demands include ending elite privileges, securing resource royalties, and getting subsidized wheat flour for the region.

Key Points: PoJK Protests Intensify After Police Kill Two in Muzaffarabad

  • Police opened fire on protesters in Muzaffarabad, killing two and injuring over 22 people
  • Rallies erupted across Kotli, Mirpur, and Muzaffarabad demanding economic and political rights
  • Protesters accuse local politicians of trying to derail their movement through intimidation
  • The Action Committee demands resource royalties, subsidized flour, and an end to elite privileges
2 min read

From Kotli to Muzaffarabad: PoJK rises in widespread protest, two reportedly killed

Widespread strikes and protests rock Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir as police firing kills two, fueling public outrage over unmet demands for rights and resources.

"Until the demands of the Joint Awami Action Committee are met, protests will continue with full force. - Protester in Kotli"

Muzaffarabad, September 29

Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) is witnessing an intense shutdown strike and widespread protests as anger grows over the government's failure to address the demands put forth by the Joint Awami Action Committee. Demonstrations and rallies have erupted across the region, including in Mirpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, signaling a united stand by the people for their rights.

In Muzaffarabad, the situation escalated dramatically when police reportedly opened fire on protesters, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuring more than 22 others. The tragic incident has further fueled public outrage and hardened the resolve of the protest movement.

In Kotli, multiple rallies gathered at a central chowk, with protesters expressing frustration at political efforts to undermine the movement. One participant said, "The sitting MNA of Kotli tried for days to derail this movement but failed." Another stated, "People were threatened and intimidated, but today, everyone is standing firm for their rights. Last night was quiet, but today the streets are filled with noise and determination. Until the demands of the Joint Awami Action Committee are met, protests will continue with full force."

Locals and activists in Mirpur staged bike rallies and chanted slogans demanding immediate attention to the Action Committee's demands. The widespread participation is reflecting deep dissatisfaction with the current political situation.

The Jammu Kashmir Awami Action Committee (JKAAC), also called the Joint Awami Action Committee, has put forward a broad range of demands seeking economic relief, enhanced political autonomy, and better governance in PoJK.

Their demands include eliminating privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite, removing 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan, and securing royalties from local resources like hydropower to ensure PoJK benefits directly.

They also call for subsidised wheat flour similar to Gilgit-Baltistan, electricity tariffs based on local production costs from the Mangla Hydropower Project, and the restoration and democratisation of student unions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
This is exactly why PoJK should be reunited with India. The people there are clearly suffering from poor governance and lack of basic amenities. The international community needs to take notice of Pakistan's human rights violations.
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Priya S
The demands for subsidized wheat flour and fair electricity tariffs show how basic economic issues are being ignored. When people have to protest for food and electricity, it speaks volumes about the administration. Hope they get justice soon. 🙏
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Michael C
While I support the people's right to protest, I hope our media covers this objectively without excessive jingoism. The focus should be on the human suffering and legitimate demands rather than political point-scoring.
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Ananya R
The courage shown by these protesters is inspiring! Standing up against political intimidation and fighting for their rights despite the risks. The demand for resource royalties from hydropower projects makes complete sense - why should locals not benefit from their own resources?
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Vikram M
Pakistan always talks about human rights in Kashmir but look what's happening in PoJK! Police firing on peaceful protesters, killing innocent people. The hypocrisy is glaring. The world should see the real face of Pakistan's governance.

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