Muzaffarabad: An ongoing protest against the Pakistan Government in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has reportedly reached areas close to the Line of Control (LoC), with a large number of people gathering in Mandhol on the 115th day of demonstrations that began on 5 June.
The protesters have reportedly called for routes towards India to be opened and for the fencing along the LoC to be removed. The size of the gathering and the claims made during the protest could not be independently verified. Mandhol is reportedly situated around seven kilometres from the LoC.
According to reports, people from various parts of PoK, including Muzaffarabad, have travelled to Mandhol to join the demonstrations. Slogans reportedly directed against Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir were also raised.
Calls for Route to India to Be Opened
Leaders of the Joint Awami League (JAL), which is associated with the protest movement, have reportedly urged the Pakistan Government to open the route towards Poonch and Mendhar. Protesters claim the route provides access towards India and say reopening it would make movement easier for residents of the region.
Some protesters have also reportedly called for PoK to be integrated with India. They allege that Pakistan has failed to adequately address the political and economic rights of people in the territory.
Amid the continuing demonstrations, reports claim that the Pakistan Government has tightened controls over supplies to the region. Protesters have alleged shortages of flour and other essential commodities in several areas.
The protesters say their grievances include economic hardship, rising prices, unemployment and demands for greater local rights. Demonstrations over these issues have reportedly continued since June.
Claims Regarding ISI-Linked Vehicles
The report also mentions vehicles allegedly linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). It claims that protesters objected to the presence of some vehicles allegedly being used to detain demonstrators and that stones were thrown at them. These claims, including the alleged involvement of the ISI and the use of the vehicles, have not been independently verified.
The report further claims that Pakistani military activity has increased amid heightened tensions in PoK. However, there is no independent official information available on the reported deployment or the number of troops allegedly involved.
Protesters have said they intend to continue their movement until their demands concerning rights and local issues are addressed. The report does not contain a detailed official response from the Pakistan Government regarding the protests or the reported calls for integration with India.
According to the report, local elections were held in PoK on 27 July. Despite opposition in some areas, the electoral process proceeded, with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) subsequently forming the government. The continuing protests, however, have presented an additional challenge for the administration.
