• Source:JND
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Tensions are rising sharply in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as thousands of residents have taken to the streets in a massive anti-government protest. The Awami Action Committee (AAC) has called for a “shutter-down and wheel-jam” strike on Monday, September 29, demanding long-denied political and economic rights.

The unrest began in Kotli on Saturday, September 27, when protesters clashed with security forces. Eyewitnesses reported that troops fired on civilians and used tear gas to control the crowds, leaving several individuals injured. Local authorities confirmed that several policemen were also hurt during the confrontation. The aggressive response has only fueled public anger, highlighting the deep-rooted frustration in the region.

What Are Protesters Demanding?

The Awami Action Committee (AAC) has presented a 38-point charter calling for structural reforms in PoK.

Key demands include:

 - Abolishing 12 legislative seats in the PoK assembly reserved for Kashmiri refugees in Pakistan, citing undermined representative governance.

 - Providing subsidised flour to local communities.

 - Implementing fair power tariffs linked to the Mangla hydropower project.

 - Enforcing long-delayed reforms promised by Islamabad.

PoK Protest (1)

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Who Is Leading The Movement?

Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a core AAC leader, addressed crowds in Muzaffarabad, emphasising the campaign’s focus on fundamental rights:

 - “Our campaign is not against any institution but for the fundamental rights denied to our people for over 70 years. Enough is enough. Either deliver on rights or face the wrath of the people.”

 - The Neelum Valley Public Action Committee, led by Mir, has called for a complete shutdown on Monday to press for public demands.

 - Government Response: Officials in Islamabad and the Pakistani military have signaled possible use of force, including flag marches, to assert control over the region.

Widespread Public Support

The protests are fueled by decades of neglect and corruption, with residents accusing Islamabad of depriving PoK communities of basic rights such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and clean water. Local lawyers and civil groups have backed the shutdown as a democratic right, stressing that suppression alone will not resolve the crisis.

Authorities are scrambling to control the situation, but observers warn that PoK could face a critical crisis if the government and military fail to address the grievances with sensitivity. The ongoing unrest has drawn comparisons to separatist movements in Balochistan, raising concerns about stability in Pakistan’s strategic regions.

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Monday’s strike is expected to disrupt daily life across PoK, with businesses and transport services likely to remain suspended as public action committees mobilize residents in multiple districts. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation if negotiations between the government and protesters do not occur.