Public fury against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir has boiled over in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) following a brutal military crackdown on peaceful demonstrators. Pakistani security forces unleashed live ammunition on unarmed citizens, resulting in the confirmed deaths of over 30 people and leaving hundreds of others critically injured. Local organizers and eyewitnesses alleged that military personnel forcibly removed numerous bodies from the streets to conceal the true scale of casualties. To prevent details of the violence from reaching the international community, authorities have enforced a complete internet shutdown across the entire region.
Pakistani Ministers Branded Protesters as Enemies of the State
Rather than seeking a peaceful resolution, top officials in Islamabad have taken an uncompromising stance against the civil unrest. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif categorized the PoK demonstrators as enemies akin to India, explicitly declaring that the government would hold no dialogue with them. This aggressive position received explicit backing from Rana Sanaullah Khan, Special Advisor to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Asserting state authority, Rana Sanaullah stated that if individuals nurtured by Pakistan attempt to defy the state, the administration will respond with gunfire, further intensifying regional anger.
Root Causes Behind the Agitation and the Role of JAAC
The widespread protests are being spearheaded by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a unified alliance of political and social organizations in PoK. At the core of the grievance is the administration of 12 disputed legislative seats. The JAAC contends that the Pakistani government systematically manipulates these seats to install handpicked political allies as prime minister of the occupied territory. Beyond electoral disputes, residents have been demonstrating for months against crippling inflation, administrative neglect, political marginalization, and alleged systemic abuses against minority communities.
India Condemns Oppression and Questions Local Elections in PoK
Reacting to the escalating crisis, India held Pakistan accountable for the widespread unrest. The Ministry of External Affairs stated on Tuesday that the massive public demonstrations in PoK are the direct consequence of Pakistan's systematic economic exploitation, administrative repression, and denial of basic fundamental rights to local inhabitants. New Delhi also questioned the legitimacy of local body elections being conducted in PoK, characterizing them as a cosmetic attempt to legitimize illegal occupation and hide grave human rights violations. India had previously raised the issue at the United Nations and the UNSC, strongly condemning the persistent suppression of Kashmiris' fundamental freedoms.
Farooq Abdullah Urges Global Intervention and Indian Action
Expressing deep concern over the reported killings in PoK, National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah called on the Indian government to raise its voice forcefully on the global stage. Abdullah appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Commission to send an investigative mission to PoK to assess human rights violations and address civilian grievances. Furthermore, the National Conference leader directed an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the External Affairs Minister, urging proactive measures to safeguard innocent lives in the region.
