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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Former minister C M Ibrahim announces to launch new regional party for Karnataka
Kalaburagi: Two years after being expelled from the Janata Dal (Secular), former minister C.M. Ibrahim has announced that he will launch a new regional political party in Karnataka on January 24, reported Deccan Herald.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Nava Karnataka Nirmana Andolana in Kalaburagi on Sunday, Ibrahim confirmed the birth of the new party.
The 77-year-old politician stated he would soon be meeting with other like-minded individuals to choose a symbol for the party.
ALSO READ: Veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa laid to rest with full state honours
Ibrahim emphasised that the organisation would be guided by the principles of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna and the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
A veteran politician, Ibrahim served as Union Civil Aviation Minister during the tenure of H.D. Deve Gowda as Prime Minister and later headed the Karnataka unit of the Janata Dal (Secular). He was expelled from the JD(S) in 2023 on charges of anti-party activities.
His exit from the party followed sharp differences over the JD(S) decision to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the then state president of the JD(S), Ibrahim had publicly criticised the alliance, claiming it was finalised without his knowledge. He had also reportedly convened meetings of his supporters and expressed support for the INDIA bloc.
