Pakistan-occupied Kashmir observes general strike
_vb_64.jpeg)
Islamabad (PTI): A general strike was observed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Monday on the call of a local action group, demanding relief for the masses and transparency in the government system, according to media reports.
The protest call was given by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), represented by traders, local leaders and civil society activists.
The protest began two years ago to secure a regular and subsidised supply of flour and electricity in the region, but has now been joined by additional demands such as the reduction in privileges enjoyed by the Kashmiri elite, abolition of reserved assembly seats and free education and health facilities.
The JKJAAC alleges that the fresh protest is being held this time because the government has failed to fully implement the agreement reached two years ago.
Samaa TV reported that markets, transport, and even communication services were disrupted amid growing public frustration over unmet demands. It added that markets, commercial centres, and lorry depots across Muzaffarabad were shuttered, with transport completely absent from the roads.
Hotels and shops that normally open early remained closed. Although schools were officially open, classrooms were empty as most students did not attend.
The channel also reported that for the second consecutive day, internet and mobile phone services remained suspended across PoK.
In an unprecedented move, landline telephone services were also completely cut off, further isolating residents from the outside world.
The protestors put forward a 38-point charter of demands. Among the key demands are an end to the 12 reserved seats for refugees and the rollback of privileges enjoyed by the elite.
Other demands include construction of several road projects, relief in taxes, subsidy on flour and electricity, end of job quotas for refugees, reform in the judiciary and several other demands of local nature.
AAJ News channel reported that the strike succeeded in getting support from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf of Imran Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023.
The protest committee not only held talks with a negotiation team formed by the government of PoK, but also representatives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif from the federal government. They, however, failed to reach a consensus.
The local government spokesman, Irfan Ashraf, said the region is peaceful and that people are engaged in their daily activities. He said that the government has initiated a negotiation process and added that the public is growing weary of strikes and roadblocks.
Earlier, the government deployed additional police and Rangers in Muzaffarabad and other districts to manage the situation, with nearly 3,000 Islamabad police personnel already stationed in the region, according AAJ TV.
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.
India trashes Pakistan's allegations of Indian hand in disturbing peace in Balochistan
New Delhi (PTI): India on Sunday categorically rejected as baseless Pakistan's allegations of an Indian hand in attempts to disturb peace in Balochistan, and said it is Islamabad's usual tactics to deflect attention from its "internal failings".
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, trashing the charges, also highlighted Pakistan's record of suppression, brutality and violation of human rights.
"We categorically reject the baseless allegations made by Pakistan, which are nothing but its usual tactics to deflect attention from its own internal failings," he said.
Jaiswal was responding to Pakistan military's unsubstantiated claim that India was supporting terrorist elements in their attempts to disturb peace in Balochistan.
"Instead of parroting frivolous claims each time there is a violent incident, it would do better to focus on addressing long-standing demands of its people in the region. Its record of suppression, brutality and violation of human rights is well known," he added.
At least 15 Pakistani soldiers and 92 militants were killed in multiple counter-terrorism operations carried out by Pakistani security forces in Balochistan province, the Pakistan army said.
The operations were launched after militants belonging to ethnic Baloch groups carried out attacks at several locations on Saturday, it said in a statement.
The Pakistan army said the militants attempted to disturb peace by carrying out terrorist activities in and around Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan and Panjgur, it said.
