The bloodshed in Kashmir caused by Pakistan is a warning sign for Islamabad.

New Delhi: There could not have been a more striking contrast. The Kashmiris in Occupied Kashmir were furious with Islamabad for their stepmotherly behaviour since May 9, even though Srinagar, in Jammu and Kashmir, had the highest vote percentage for the 2024 Lok Sabha, 37.98, following 1996. The arrests and raids of Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) activists on the intervening night of May 8–9 served as the impetus for the demonstrations.

Even though Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a package of 23 billion Pakistan Rupees on Monday, ending the violent protests, the chaos is still a cause for concern for Islamabad, given the growing economic divide in the Srinagar Valley and the exploitation of the local populace in Occupied Kashmir.

Despite efforts by Pakistan and the media to downplay the violence in PoK, demonstrations were held in Tattapani, Samahmi, Sehansa, Mirpur, Dadyal, Rawalkot, Khuiratta, and Hattian Bala. It is believed that at least 70 JAAC activists were detained, which sparked a fight between demonstrators and police that left at least one police officer and three civilians dead and at least 100 critically injured. Occupied Kashmir has seen a surge in protests led by the JAAC, a socio-political group made up of attorneys, businessmen, and transporters, over the growing cost of gasoline, power, and food (wheat). On May 11, the JAAC called for a “Long March” to Muzaffarabad, but Islamabad prevented it with raids and the activists’ arrests on May 8–9. Protesters shouting pro-independence and anti-Pakistan chants set fire to up to three Pakistan Rangers trucks during the violent demonstrations. For the previous week, schools and retail enterprises have been closed in addition to the internet.

Activists accused the Pakistani paramilitary forces of violating human rights when they employed disproportionate force to put an end to rallies. The demonstrations were so violent that Prime Minister Sharif was forced to ask for conciliation with the demonstrators and ultimately give in to their demands for gasoline and energy subsidies. Islamabad dispatched three battalions of Pakistan Rangers from Kohala in addition to the local police.

In Rawalkot, Occupied Kashmir, unrest has been simmering since May 2023, with activists taking to the arms against the provincial and federal governments over increases in the rates of wheat flour and power, despite the Pakistani police’s accusation that India was the catalyst for the protests. A boycott and non-payment of power bills ensued after this. PoK residents are deeply resentful of the fact that the cost of power is five times higher than production expenses. The following are the demands made by the demonstrators:

· Similar to Gilgit-Baltistan, a wheat subsidy

· The cost of production from the hydroelectric Mangla Dam project should be the basis for the electricity rate.

· Excessive benefits and advantages enjoyed by officials and the ruling class (read: Punjabis) have to be eradicated.

· Elections are held and restrictions on student unions are removed.

· The Occupied Kashmiri “Jammu and Kashmir Bank” should be designated as a scheduled bank.

· Money and authority should be granted to municipal representatives.

· Internet service providers and cellular firms have set prices.

• Lower the property transfer tax.

· The Act should be amended appropriately, and the Accountability Bureau should become operational.

· Laws are passed and restrictions placed on tree-trimming in an effort to boost the regional economy.

It is believed that the province administration granted these requests in February 2024 following a call to strike issued in September 2023 for February 5, which is paradoxically observed as Kashmir Solidarity Day by Islamabad propagandists.

General News Platform – https://ihtlive.com/
Entertainment News Platforms – anyflix.in 
Construction Infrastructure and Mining News Platform – https://cimreviews.com/
Podcast Platforms – https://anyfm.in/