The protests, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), centre on a 38-point charter of demands, including political reforms, subsidised wheat flour, lower electricity tariffs, free education and healthcare, and an end to perks for government officials
Police fire rubber bullets at protesters in Muzaffarabad, PoJK. PIC/AFP
Protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) entered a fifth consecutive day on Thursday, spreading across the region following the deaths of three young men allegedly killed by Pakistani forces, news agency ANI reported. Their funeral prayers in Muzaffarabad drew thousands, further intensifying public anger.
Sharing visuals online, social media user Nadeem wrote: "The funeral prayers of three young men martyred by Pakistani forces have been offered, with thousands attending."
He accused authorities of double standards, adding: "The Jammu Kashmir Joint People's Action Committee's march is peaceful, but Pakistani forces are committing atrocities on unarmed citizens and martyring them."
The protests, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), centre on a 38-point charter of demands, including political reforms, subsidised wheat flour, lower electricity tariffs, free education and healthcare, and an end to perks for government officials, ANI reported. Public anger has also grown over the decision to abolish 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan.
Muzaffarabad has become the epicentre of the agitation, which has spread to multiple districts of PoJK. Shops, markets, and transport services have been shut down, bringing life to a standstill.
Despite an indefinite lockdown and internet blackout imposed by authorities, large protest caravans have pushed through blockades to join the movement, ANI reported. Opposition leaders in Pakistan amplified the unrest online.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Syeda Zahr posted: "A sea of people from Rawalakot has set out towards Muzaffarabad."
Chaudhry Muddasar Raza Machhiana, coordinator to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, praised the demonstrators: "Salam to the people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) who know how to claim their rights."
Neelum Valley Public Action Committee leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir accused the government of unleashing violence on its citizens.
"This government has turned into a demon... They want to silence us by shutting down the media, deploying forces, and firing on us," he said in a viral video.
Violent clashes over the past three days have already claimed more than half a dozen lives and left several seriously injured, sources said.
In Dudyal, Mirpur, the Action Committee announced that the body of one protester would not be buried until the administration meets their demands.
Security forces have been deployed across PoJK to block protest marches, clearing bridges and key routes. Despite the clampdown, the agitation shows no sign of slowing, with protesters vowing to continue until their demands are met.
(With ANI inputs)
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