Protests have erupted in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) over unjust taxes imposed by the Pakistan administration and arrests of dozens of activists. The situation escalated when additional forces were deployed by the Pakistan government to crush the protest planned for May 11, leading to a significant public outcry.
Overview of the Protests: Massive protests broke out in Dadyal tehsil of Mirpur district, POK, on May 10, fueled by anger over unjust taxes and the arrest of activists. Despite a planned protest for May 11, the deployment of additional forces and the arrest of 70 activists triggered early street demonstrations. The protestors clashed with security personnel, reflecting deep-seated grievances against the administration’s policies.
Government Crackdown: In response to the protests, the Pakistani administration implemented Section 144 in the region and deployed additional troops from the Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Corps. This crackdown aimed to suppress the planned protests and prevent a ‘long march’ announced by the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee.
Arrests and Police Action: Seventy activists were detained by police, and teargas shells were fired to disperse the protesting crowd. Unfortunately, some of these shells landed in a nearby school, injuring several girls. The police also conducted raids on the homes of prominent activists, further escalating tensions.
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Political Response and Public Outcry: Political activist Amjad Ayub Mirza condemned the violence against peaceful protesters, highlighting the widespread outrage among the population. Social media platforms also witnessed a surge in activism, with calls for civil disobedience echoing the sentiments of the protesting masses.
Root Causes and Historical Context: The protests in POK are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of discontent fueled by economic hardships and government policies. Similar protests over high electricity charges and inflation have erupted in the past, reflecting a growing frustration among Pakistanis over economic burdens and IMF-imposed conditions.
Conclusion: The massive protest in POK highlights the deep-seated grievances of the population against unjust taxes, arrests, and government policies. The crackdown by Pakistani authorities and the public outcry underscore the volatile situation in the region, with implications for broader political and social dynamics in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.