Protest in PoK turns violent, killing an officer and injuring over 100.

| The Bridge Post

Protest in PoK turns violent, killing an officer and injuring over 100._

Photo by : economictimes.indiatimes.com

Escalating Unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir: Clashes Erupt Over Economic Grievances

In a spiraling saga of discontent, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has become the epicenter of violent clashes between security forces and protesters fueled by economic frustrations. The disputed region, long a source of tension between India and Pakistan, has witnessed a surge in demonstrations against soaring wheat flour prices and electricity tariffs.

Fatal Clashes and Injuries

The unrest escalated on Saturday when protesters clashed with police in Mirpur, resulting in the tragic death of a sub-inspector, Adnan Qureshi, who succumbed to a gunshot wound. Over 100 individuals, predominantly police officers, sustained injuries amid the turmoil.

Arrests and Crackdown

In the wake of the violence, authorities responded with a heavy hand, arresting around 70 Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) activists on Wednesday and Thursday. This heavy-handed approach further inflamed tensions, leading to clashes in Dadyal on Thursday.

Protest Movement and Government Response

The JAAC, spearheaded by traders across PoK, has been spearheading the protest movement, demanding the subsidization of wheat flour, electricity at hydropower generation costs, and the elimination of elite privileges. The regional government, in response, deployed Rangers and a large contingent of police to quell the escalating protests.

Communication Blackout and Emergency Meeting

In an attempt to control the situation, authorities suspended mobile phone and internet services in several parts of PoK, including Bhimber and Bagh, while Mirpur also experienced a complete communications blackout. Amidst growing concerns, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari convened an emergency meeting at the President's House on Monday to address the escalating situation.

Escalating Violence and Arson

On Friday, amidst a crippling strike, violent clashes erupted between police and demonstrators in various areas of Muzaffarabad, PoK's capital. On Saturday, authorities placed earth mounds on roads leading to Muzaffarabad and made additional arrests to prevent protesters from converging on the state capital.

Witnesses reported that the Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions observed complete strikes, while police resorted to tear gas shelling and aerial firing to disperse stone-pelting protesters in some neighborhoods.

Injuries and Arson

Official reports indicate that at least one police officer and a young boy were injured in the clashes. In Kotli, 78 police officers sustained injuries, while 29 protesters were also reported injured. Additionally, arsonists torched a police station and several vehicles in Mirpur.

Government Dialogue and ACJA Response

Reacting to the unrest, Finance Minister of PoK, Abdul Majid Khan, stated that the government had exercised the utmost restraint and remained open for negotiations to peacefully resolve all contentious issues. He emphasized that the government had accepted all the demands of the action committee, including targeted flour subsidies and freezing electricity tariffs at June 2022 levels. However, he expressed disappointment that the committee subsequently deviated from the agreement and pursued new demands.

JAAC spokesperson Hafeez Hamdani denied involvement in the violence, suggesting that elements within the protests were deliberately instigating unrest to discredit the movement's legitimate aims.

Public Gathering Ban and Section 144

In an attempt to quell the unrest, authorities have imposed Section 144, prohibiting public gatherings, rallies, and processions in all districts of PoK.

Government Relief and Primer Minister's Statement

Following the deadly clashes in Mirpur, PoK's so-called Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq announced that the government would provide relief related to electricity and wheat flour prices. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing the agreement reached with the AAC, as reported by Geo News.

Escalating Unrest and Regional Implications

The escalating unrest in PoK underscores the deep-seated economic grievances and political tensions within the disputed region. The heavy-handed response by authorities and the government's inability to address the underlying concerns raise questions about the future stability of the region and its impact on the broader India-Pakistan relationship.