Protests in PoK enter 7th day, women join demonstrations
What's the story
Protests have continued for the seventh day in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The demonstrations, organized by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), are among the largest public mobilizations in recent years. Protesters from across PoK, including women, have gathered in Rawalakot, raising slogans against Pakistan's military establishment and administration while demanding more political rights and regional autonomy.
Leadership stance
Kashmir not your property, JAAC leader tells Pakistan army chief
JAAC leader Khawaja Mehran addressed the protesters, vowing to continue the movement despite pressure. He directly criticized Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, saying, "Kashmir is not your property." Mehran also urged locals employed in Pakistani institutions to resign and support their cause. He described the campaign as a struggle for "absolute freedom" and formally rejected what he called the Pakistani system.
Protest dynamics
Women participate in protests
The protests have seen a significant participation of women, who joined marches and sit-ins across Rawalakot. Visuals from the protest sites showed crowds carrying banners and raising slogans as the movement expanded. Organizers said fresh groups of protesters continued to arrive in Rawalakot, adding to the growing turnout. The JAAC leadership has vowed not to end the demonstrations until authorities address their demands.
Violence aftermath
Protests after clashes in Rawalakot on Sunday
The protests come after deadly clashes in Rawalakot on Sunday that left seven dead. The violence erupted after the Supreme Court of Pakistan-administered Kashmir ruled that 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan were constitutionally protected and could not be abolished without a constitutional amendment. The JAAC, formed in 2003, has long demanded greater political rights for people in the region and sought the abolition of refugee-reserved seats.