Anti-government agitation in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) continued on Wednesday. Meanwhile, despite the death of 11 civilians in the firing by Pakistani Army and Rangers, the protesters are not ready to retreat. Thousands of people are continuously marching towards Rawalakot, while the protests have spread further across the region. More than 1.5 lakh people are stuck on the streets.
According to sources, large-scale demonstrations are taking place in many areas including Rawalakot, Bagh, Hattian Bala, Kotli, Mirpur, Sudhnoti, Dhirkot, Dadyal and Muzaffarabad. So far, more than 1.5 lakh people have joined this movement. The protesters are carrying wooden sticks and banners and raising slogans in support of Kashmir’s independence. Protest organizers say that by tonight, large convoys coming from different parts of PoJK will reach Rawalakot. After this the protesters are planning to start a joint march towards Muzaffarabad. The protesters will reach there and press for the implementation of their 38 demands.
Reward of Rs 1 crore on four agitators
More than 38 people who were injured during the firing in this movement are still admitted in hospitals, out of which the condition of many is said to be critical. Instead of controlling the situation, the Pakistani administration has increased its strictness on the movement. The administration has announced a reward of Rs 1 crore on four prominent agitators and cases of treason have been registered against them.
Pakistani officials have also described many leaders of the movement as Indian agents. In Pakistan, such allegations have been made in the past also against political opponents, human rights activists and those who criticize the army. Such allegations have also been made against the former Prime Minister and his supporters earlier.
Pak Army alert regarding Muzaffarabad
The administration has closed many major roads to prevent the protesters from reaching Muzaffarabad. Trees have been cut at many places and placed on the roads so that the convoys of protesters can be stopped and their speed can be slowed down. Despite deaths, arrests and strict action, the ever-increasing turnout in the movement shows that resentment against the Pakistan government and military establishment is deepening in the region.
The next few days are very important
This movement is no longer limited to just demanding rights, but seems to be taking the form of a big mass movement against Islamabad’s rule and control in PoJK. The coming few days may prove to be very important. If efforts are not made to handle the situation through talks and the use of force continues, the tension in the area may increase further.
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