Crisis In Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir: Dwindling Economy, Pak Police Brutality Trigger Civil Unrest

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir launched a series of protests against the Pakistan government beginning last week to highlight the poor economic conditions and the lack of development of the region.

The civil unrest was triggered when Pakistan police tried to clamp down on a protests under the banner of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) which was seeking the provision of electricity as per hydropower generation cost in the region, subsidised wheat flour and an end to the privileges of the elite class.

Clashes broke out between the resident and the police personnel when the latter tried to stop a rally for Muzaffarabad via Kotli and Poonch districts.

One police officer was killed and more than 100 people, mostly policemen, injured in violent clashes between security forces and agitating protesters.

“(The) protest (is) due to poor economic conditions and ignorance by the (Pakistan) federal government. They (have been) victims of ignorance since the last 70 years,” an official familiar with the developments told CNN-News18.

“For generations they have not been allowed to grow financially and are used to settle Pakistan’s political agenda against India in international forums,” the official mentioned above said.

The official also highlighted that it is not simply exorbitant electricity bills, rising bills, high taxes and unemployment that has led to the protests but it is also a protest against Pakistan police’s brutality and the atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army.

The anti-Pakistan sentiment has risen to such an extent that posters were seen in Rawalakot where some citizens demanded a merger with India.

Government officials familiar with the developments told CNN-News18 that these are not new developments and these protests have happened earlier as well. They, however, highlighted that due to social media people are getting to know the ground realities.

“On one hand, the Union Territory of Kashmir is ushering in (a) new world with more employment (opportunities) and tourism, while Pakistan-occupied Kashmir lacks the basic necessities needed for living life,” the official said.

“Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is used for terror hubs and launching pads (of terrorists) but (its residents) are not given anything. We want Pakistan to return Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to us,” the official further added.