Rawalakot: Today is a decisive day for Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The Joint Awami Action Committee had given the Islamabad government an ultimatum to meet its demands by July 21. That deadline is here. Around 1.5 lakh protesters have gathered in Rawalakot despite heavy rain and thunderstorms. They are preparing to march towards Muzaffarabad. If their demands are not met, the movement is set to intensify sharply. The question everybody is asking is whether Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir will back down in front of the people of PoK.
How did this protest begin?
Large-scale protests have been underway in PoK since early June. Demonstrators have held sit-ins and rallies across the region. Shops, public transport and businesses have been shut repeatedly. What started as anger over rising prices and inflation has grown into a broader demand for political rights and administrative reforms. Clashes between protesters and local police and paramilitary forces have left more than 30 people dead since the movement began. That includes some security personnel. On July 14 alone, at least nine people were killed.
What are the protesters demanding?
The demands have expanded as the movement has grown. Protesters want the 12 reserved seats in the local assembly abolished. They want greater political representation for local people. They want all arrested JAAC leaders and activists released immediately. They also want economic relief from the rising cost of living that triggered the protests in the first place.
What has the UN said?
The killings in PoK have drawn international attention. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has stepped in and urged Islamabad to immediately launch a thorough and impartial investigation into all deaths — both civilians and security personnel. The UN has also raised concerns about the ban on JAAC and the suspension of internet services in the region.
How is Pakistan responding?
Pakistan has deployed over 4,000 Rangers, police and Frontier Corps personnel across PoK to contain the situation. Additional security forces have been sent in anticipation of today’s march. Clashes between protesters and security forces have been happening at multiple locations. The government has not yet given any clear response to the JAAC demands. If Islamabad does not act before the day ends, the protest leadership has said the movement will become far wider and more aggressive. All eyes are now on what Islamabad does next.
