Pakistan’s troubled relationship with Kashmir rears its ugly head once again. This time, the spotlight falls on Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), where a simmering discontent has erupted into protests. The Pakistani response, however, has been anything but peaceful.
A Desperate Grip on Power:
Recent reports paint a grim picture of a desperate Pakistani administration resorting to heavy-handed tactics to silence the voices of dissent in PoJK. As economic woes and dire living conditions fuel public anger, the Pakistani government has taken a menacing step: deploying troops from Punjab Province. This blatant show of force, with Frontier Corps, Rangers, and the Quick Response Force (QRF) personnel flooding the streets, aims to intimidate the protesters rather than address their grievances.
The People’s Plight:
The protests, organized by prominent groups like the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), represent the aspirations of the PoJK populace. Their demands are far from unreasonable – an end to exorbitant taxes and electricity bills, measures to curb inflation, and ensuring basic necessities like flour are readily available.
However, the Pakistani establishment seems deaf to the cries of the Kashmiri people. Instead of engaging in dialogue, they choose military might – a futile attempt to crush the spirit of resistance. The UKPNP and JAAC leaders have sternly warned against using brutal force, emphasizing that such actions will trigger international outrage and expose the plight of PoJK to the world.
Beyond Economics: A Deep-Rooted Injustice
The demands extend beyond immediate economic concerns. The call for ownership of local land and water resources, along with a fair share of royalties from hydroelectric power generated in PoJK and Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), underscores a profound sense of injustice. The Kashmiri people feel systematically deprived of their rightful share in their homeland’s resources. Despite billions of dollars in remittances sent annually by the Kashmiri diaspora for development, PoJK and PoGB grapple with severe underdevelopment, allegedly due to the siphoning of funds to Pakistani banks.
Humanitarian Crisis and Broken Trust:
Prominent UKPNP leaders like Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri and former JAAC spokesperson Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan highlight a worsening humanitarian crisis gripping PoJK for over four years. This heavy-handed approach is nothing new. PoJK activist Amjad Ayub Mirza reveals a previous request for additional security forces to protect
Chinese nationals following recent blasts.
This iron fist not only violates fundamental rights but also exposes the fragility of Pakistan’s control. A regime with genuine public support wouldn’t need such draconian measures. The international community cannot turn a blind eye. Pakistan’s actions constitute a gross violation of human rights – the rights to peaceful protest, free speech, and self-determination.
A Call to Action for the Global Community:
The United Nations and other global bodies must take notice and pressure Pakistan to abandon violence against peaceful protesters. The demands of the PoJK people deserve to be heard through dialogue, not through the barrel of a gun. Additionally, an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of development funds is crucial.
An Unyielding Spirit and a Hope for Peace:
The road ahead for PoJK is arduous, but the people’s determination to fight for their rights remains unwavering. The Pakistani government must understand that its oppressive tactics will only breed further resentment and fuel resistance. It’s time to abandon the path of oppression and embrace dialogue, respect for human rights, and genuine autonomy for the people of PoJK. Only then can the long-standing Kashmir dispute be resolved peacefully, paving the way for lasting peace and stability in the region.