• Source:JND
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PoK Unrest Explained:  Violent protests marred Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after the authorities launched an atrocious crackdown on civilians, protesting against the misgovernance in the occupied region. So far, a police officer has been killed and at least 90 others remain injured in the clashes between the security forces and the 'Aawam.' Amid the huge unrest, many videos emerged on social media showing the precarious conditions in the Pakistani-occupied region. In one such video, the protestors could be seen thrashing the security officials.

One other video showed POK residents chanting "Hame Chahiye Azadi" (we want freedom) slogans. The clip was reportedly shot in the capital city of POK - Muzaffarabad. Police along with other establishment forces are using repressive measures to quell the rebellion. Leaders of the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, spearheading the protests, were arrested and taken to unknown places by the security forces, many social media posts claimed on Sunday.

VIDEOS: (Can not be independently verified by English Jagran)

Why PoK is embroiled in violent protests

The recent demonstrations in the PoK emerged out of the non-handling of months-long grievances by the establishment. At the heart of the dissent, a few core issues lie - the steep price hike of basic commodities such as edibles, high taxation, electricity shortage despite being a major producer state and leases granted to outsiders for the exploitation of minerals.

However, experts suggest that what started as a mere rebellion against the basic amenities has now turned into a movement for rights and freedom across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Many activists of PoK in the past openly protested against the second-class citizen treatment by the mainland Pakistani establishment including the Pak army.

What Protestors Are Saying

"There is going to be a complete shutter-down and wheel-jam strike observed across PoK and specifically in Muzaffarabad against the police brutality against our peaceful protesters in Dadyal," said Saukat Nawaz Mir, chairman of the Traders Association Muzaffarabad and member of the Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee.

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