2 killed, 22 injured in PoK protests against Pakistan government
What's the story
Two people have died and 22 others injured in violent clashes in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), amid protests against the the Shehbaz Sharif government. The protests, called by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), a civil society alliance, started on Sunday in Mirpur, Kotli, Rawalakot, Neelum Valley, Keran, among others. It had announced a lockdown on Monday to send a "loud and clear message" to grant people their rights.
Response
Pakistani government deployed armed convoys
In response to the turmoil, the Pakistani government deployed armed convoys to the region, bringing in thousands of troops from Punjab province. An additional 1,000 police officers were also dispatched from Islamabad. Authorities also suspended internet services from midnight. According to NDTV sources, armed thugs backed by the Pakistan Army and the ISI-sponsored Muslim Conference opened fire on citizens, who were demanding basic rights.
Protest demands
Protests demand subsidized flour, power tariff adjustments
The AAC, which has gained traction for rallying people against long-standing concerns such as corruption, neglect, and denial of basic rights, has proposed a 38-point charter of demands to the Pakistani government. The demands include the removal of 12 seats in the POK Assembly allocated for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, subsidized flour and fairer power pricing, and the implementation of long-delayed reforms promised by Islamabad.
Talks
Talks failed
AAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir said their campaign is "not against any institution but for the fundamental rights denied to our people for over 70 years." He warned authorities to either deliver on these rights or face public wrath. The unrest follows the recent collapse of negotiations between the AAC, Pakistani government ministers, and the POK administration. The talks failed after the AAC refused to budge on abolishing elite privileges and refugee seats.