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Alarm Bells For Pakistan: Widespread Protests Engulf PoK Amidst Brutal Police Crackdown
Representative Image (Source: ANI_news/Twitter)
To protest against the police crackdown on peaceful demonstrations last month which claimed the lives of one person and injured several others in the Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of the region, reports Times Of India.
In PoK protesters alleged that the the Pakistani establishment uses brute force to muzzle all kinds of opinions and dissents in the region.
The area was occupied by Pakistan back in 1947 when it sent tribal fighters into the region and unleashed mayhem which is still being felt by natives.
On the 72 anniversary of the invasion, people had come out on the streets in large numbers to register their protest.
Afzal Suleria, leader of National Students Federation in Muzaffarabad said, "Our state was divided into many when the tribal attack took place in 1947. The history was repeated. There was a situation of violence and plunder. Women were targeted. Houses were shelled with ammunition."
"Children were charged with baton. Innocents were attacked. One common citizen Aslam Abbasi was killed. No judicial commission has been formed till date and the culprits have not been prosecuted. They were never brought to justice and no FIR was registered".
22 October was observed as a "black day" when various political parties under the All independent Parties Alliance (AIPA) in PoK has called for a pro-freedom rally in Muzaffarabad.
Muzaffar Baig, a leader of the National Students Federation said, "They have their power of influence on common people, be he a businessman, farmer, labourer, or common dweller. Police exercise its authority only on commoners."
He added, "You think we are going to be scared of them? If you are a believer of any religion, for example, you are a Muslim then prepare yourself to sacrifice for Allah. We are not going to be scared of these monsters. We are not getting scared of these people who earn Rs 20,000- 30,000 but don't hesitate in taking ten rupees from a poor man".
The upheaval in PoK could not have come at a worse time for the Imran Khan government and the Pakistan army.
Massive protest from the opposition led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman who is leading the “Azadi March” are calling for Imran Khan’s resignation.
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