PoK protests: Agitation escalates as civilians toss containers into river, clash with Pakistani forces
Civilian protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) intensified on the second day as demonstrators hurled large containers into a river after Pakistani forces placed them on a bridge to block their advance, media reports said.
The unrest follows violent clashes on Sunday that left two dead and nearly two dozen injured, NDTV reported.
Led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), protesters shut down markets, transport, and businesses across the region.
They pelted stones at police, forcing retreat, while visuals showed crowds armed with sticks chanting anti-government slogans.
The AAC is pushing a 38-point demand list, including scrapping 12 PoK assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees in Pakistan, which locals say undermines representative governance.
“Our campaign is for fundamental rights denied to our people for over 70 years. Either deliver on rights or face the wrath of the people,” AAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir warned, threatening tougher action against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government.
Islamabad has responded with a show of force, deploying heavily armed troops, imposing internet restrictions, and dispatching 100 additional personnel to PoK towns.
Thousands are staging sit-ins across Rawalakot, Hajira, Abbaspur, Khai Gala, Paniola, and Trarkhel.
Pakistani media aired chaotic scenes, including firing in the air, which the AAC alleged was carried out by the Muslim Conference group at the army’s behest.
Protesters also accuse Pakistani politicians of corruption and elitism.
Shaukat Nawaz Mir has announced a long march towards Muzaffarabad on October 1.
The unrest has spilled overseas, with British Kashmiris protesting outside Pakistan’s High Commission in London and consulate in Bradford.
“The people of AJK (PoK) are demanding good governance, justice, equality, and dignity – not bullets, tear gas or repression,” said Mahmood Kashmiri, Chairman of JKNIA in Bradford. He warned of mass diaspora protests and international escalation if Islamabad uses force against civilians.
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