The PoK for which Amit Shah had sworn, is he going to get it back now? signs of rebellion

PoK Protest: POK… i.e. Pakistan occupied Kashmir… is once again in the headlines. Protests have been going on in many areas of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir for the past several weeks. The protesters are on the streets regarding issues like inflation, unemployment, electricity crisis, administrative system and political rights. Slogans were also raised at many places against the Pakistan government and security forces. There have also been reports of violence and clashes during these demonstrations.

However, these protests are being directly linked on social media with claims like “joining India” or “PoK is going to return to India”. These claims have not been independently verified. In such a situation, the question is why are there protests in PoK? Is this movement only about local rights or is there something else behind it? Let us understand.

Continuous demonstrations have been taking place in Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, Bagh and other areas of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir for the last several weeks. It started with the demand for inflation, power crisis, employment, education and basic facilities. But with time the scope of the movement increased and the protesters also started raising questions on the policies and administrative system of the Pakistan government.

Clashes took place between protesters and security forces at many places. Local organizations allege that force was used to suppress the movement, while Pakistan has said that law and order will be maintained.

Why is there protest?

The main demands of the protesters include—

control inflation
ending frequent power cuts
Better education and health facilities
increasing employment opportunities
Strengthening political rights and representation
Release of those arrested during the movement

Many local organizations including the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) say that their demands are being ignored for a long time.

election protest

Protests also intensified regarding the elections proposed on 27 July. Some organizations alleged that there is no real participation of local people in reserved seats and political process. For this reason, boycott of elections was also announced.

During this time, the election campaign of some political parties was also opposed and a situation of tension was created at many places.

Is the movement about freedom?

During the demonstrations, anti-Pakistan slogans and demands for independence were also heard in some videos. However, it would not be correct to link the entire movement to a single demand. Different groups are raising different demands at the local level. Some organizations want administrative reforms, some are demanding more political rights and some groups are even talking about separation from Pakistan.

In such a situation, describing the entire PoK movement as merely a demand for “merger with India” cannot be considered factually correct.

India’s stance

India has consistently maintained that the entire Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, is an integral part of India.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah Many senior leaders including him have said in public forums that PoK is a part of India and in future it will become a part of India. India has also raised the issue of alleged use of force and human rights violations against protesters in PoK several times.

Pakistan’s challenge

The ongoing protests in PoK have also become a challenge for Pakistan because this area has been facing political and economic discontent for a long time. People’s dissatisfaction with the economic crisis, rising inflation, energy crisis and administrative system is continuously increasing. These circumstances have further intensified the protests.

At present, it can definitely be said that dissatisfaction seems to be deepening in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. But to say that the entire PoK is going to join India or will soon be handed over to India – such a claim is not proved by the available and verified facts. The real situation is that a large-scale movement is going on in PoK on political, economic and administrative issues, the direction and results of which will become clear only in the coming times.

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