Massive protests sweep Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir; internet cut, heavy security deployed
Muzaffarabad: Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) is witnessing one of its largest protest movements in years, with thousands rallying under the banner of the Awami Action Committee (AAC) to demand long-pending reforms.
The AAC has launched an indefinite “shutter-down and wheel-jam” strike, pressing a 38-point charter of demands. Key demands include abolishing 12 assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, subsidised flour, reduced electricity tariffs linked to the Mangla hydropower project, and long-promised structural reforms.
In response, Islamabad cut internet access from midnight and deployed large contingents of security forces. Over the weekend, convoys of armed personnel conducted flag marches across major towns, while additional police from Punjab and 1,000 reinforcements from Islamabad were sent to the region. Entry and exit points of key cities have been sealed.
Talks between AAC leaders, PoK authorities, and federal ministers broke down after 13 hours, with AAC negotiators refusing to compromise on their demand to abolish elite privileges and refugee assembly seats.
Despite heavy deployment, protest leaders insisted the demonstrations would remain peaceful. However, videos circulating on social media showed large crowds chanting slogans against Pakistan’s occupation, raising fears of a severe crackdown.
Traders in Muzaffarabad briefly reopened shops on Sunday to allow residents to purchase essential supplies before the strike resumed.
Officials have defended the deployment as necessary to maintain order, while AAC leaders maintain the agitation is a peaceful struggle for fundamental rights denied to the region for over seven decades.
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Minor girl kidnapped and raped; main accused and two cafe owners held
Latur (PTI): A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by an 18-year-old man in Latur, leading to the arrest of the main accused and owners of two cafes where the crime occurred on December 4, police said on Saturday.
Police traced the girl within hours of registering the complaint. The accused, identified as Rihan Gulab Shaikh, was arrested based on the girl's complaint. Two others are owners of two cafes where the crime occurred, police said.
Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), POCSO Act, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, an official said.
