People in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir have been protesting for weeks against the Pakistan government. Islamabad has tried to crush the protests by killing protesters, stopping supply of medicines and food items to the region, but all to no avail. The protests have only gathered strength following these measures by Pakistan.
Notably, the protests led by Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had put forward a 38 point demand in front of the Pakistan government. The protesters had also given a deadline of July 9 to the Pakistani establishment. July 9 has come and almost gone, Pakistan government has refused to listen to the protesters. So what next?
In Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Pakistani governments have been involved in a demographic change for decades, however, when it comes to development, the area is ignored. It is as if Pakistan just focused on changing demography of the region, not on any development.
Now, the massive protests have broken out in the region against Pakistan government. At the centre of the protests is the demand to abolish 12 legislative assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan. And Pakistan government is refusing to do so. Coupled with dissatisfaction over the way Pakistan ignores development in the region, it has ignited major protests in the region.
However, instead of listening to the grievances of the locals, Pakistan establishment has resorted to violence in an attempt to suppress these protests.
