Pakistan Occupied Kashmir – PoK revolted against Pakistan. People's rebellion is gaining momentum. Protests have been going on for about a hundred days against government, which is troubling the people since seven decades in many ways. Their main concern is higher power bills. Authorities collecting higher electricity bills in PoK & Gilgit-Baltistan regions compared to the own areas of Pakistan. The government buying electricity from the power projects in PoK by paying one and a half Pakistani rupees per unit and collecting 52 rupees per unit from the consumers in same area. Second reason for public unrest is – commodities price rise. People are protesting because the prices of essential commodities like wheat flour & consumer goods have gone up tremendously.
China & Pakistan have been on LOOT:
Pakistan & and its big brother China, is moving ahead with a well-planned strategy to exploit natural resources in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). There has been a lot of controversy over the construction of irrigation dams by a Chinese company on the Jhelum-Neelam Rivers. They are setting up hydropower projects along with China-Pakistan Financial Corridor in Patan and Komala areas. People are deeply worried due to the looting of natural resources in PoK by the government of Pakistan, rampant corruption, rape and violence incidences.
In this context, the people of PoK are raising concerns that they will not let up until their demands are resolved. Thousands of people are protesting on the roads. Mainly in capital city - Muzaffarabad, people continuously holds protest rallies on the streets. Their main demand is that the Pakistani authorities withdraw from PoK.
Demands for Merge with India Echo amid Protesters:
It seems that the aspiration of the people of PoK is to merge with India. Especially the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have been demanding for some time that they should be merged into Ladakh, which is under Indian control, against the anarchy of the Pakistani government. They want the international community to intervene in this matter and the United Nations to do justice to them.
Anti-Pakistan Protests at Geneva UNHRC:
Recently, protests held at United Nations Human Rights Council – UNHRS headquarters in Geneva regarding the situation in PoK. They demand Pakistan to vacate PoK immediately. Such type of agitations in Geneva or other international forums have occurred in the past. It is notable that PoK activists protested against Islamabad during the United Nations Human Rights Council meetings held in Geneva. This sparks an international discussion on this issue.
These protests are typically organized by individuals or groups from PoK who seek to draw international attention to their concerns regarding human rights abuses, political repression, and the overall situation in the region. Such protests are often aimed at highlighting alleged violations of human rights and the lack of political freedom in PoK.
As per the experts’ opinion, the political and territorial status of these regions is a matter of dispute of two countries, and any changes to it would require negotiations and agreement between India and Pakistan, as well as potentially involving the people of the region.
Story behind Pakistan’s Occupations:
The issue of PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan, has been a longstanding and contentious matter between India and Pakistan since their independence in 1947. India claims the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan occupied Kashmir, as an integral part of its territory. Pakistan, on the other hand, claims the region as its own and has administered it as a separate entity.
The situation in PoK is highly sensitive and has resulted in conflicts and tensions over the years, causing significant human suffering. It is essential for any resolution to prioritize the peaceful and democratic aspirations of the people living in the region and to respect international agreements and norms. The United Nations passed a resolution in 1948 calling for a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir to determine its future status. However, this plebiscite has never been held, and the region remains a source of tension and conflict between India and Pakistan.
Soon after independence in 1947, Islamabad took control of PoK through evil plots. There are all administrative, constitutional, judicial and political systems are running for the name sake. Whether there is Supreme Court, High Court or Parliament, the entire control is in the hands of Pakistan. All key officials including the Prime Minister have to work as slaves in Islamabad.
Exploitations of Natural Resources:
The abundant natural resources in PoK are being exploited by the rulers of Pakistan. Smuggling of timber wood and diversion of irrigation water from rivers are very common. China, which is supporting the government of Pakistan, has also become a partner in this exploitation of natural resources. Both countries are deliberately looting resources together. And Pakistan's evil plan to create havoc in Indian Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of the India by giving terrorist training to children and unemployed youth has been continued to be implemented.
People of PoK are opposing Islamabad’s ill-treatment and exploitation. The economic and social condition of Pakistan is deteriorating day by day and is also a reason for opposition among the people of PoK. Due to severe political instability, the country has reached a state of financial bankruptcy. As the foreign exchange reserves were depleted, the situation became untenable. Moreover, internal rebellions are suffocating the rulers. People of Balochistan continue to rebel against the government. And with the increase in attacks by Taliban militants, law and order also deteriorated.
Impact of Abrogation of Article 370:
On the other hand, after the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, development programs from the central government have gained momentum there. The peaceful election process in Ladakh region has also been completed recently. Political and social conditions are gradually improving. All in all, Kashmir is taking steps in the direction of progress.
All this has strongly increased the opposition of the people of PoK to the annexation of Pakistan. Now the locals feel that the only way is to merge with India. It is common man’s opinion that the India is embarking on a new journey, while Pakistan is starving. Our country has been saying that PoK is an integral part of India since 1994 and passed a resolution in the Parliament. It is reported that the Centre feels that the time is suitable for actions in PoK as India has gained a lot of support from the West in the recent G20 meetings and country's status has increased internationally.
Will PoK merge With Bharat on its OWN?:
Union Minister VK Singh recently said that "PoK will become part of India on its own". Addressing a media conference as part of BJP Parivartan Yatra in poll-bound Rajastan, he said “India has proved its mettle to the world by successfully hosting the recently concluded G-20 Summit at the Delhi”.
The Centre is keeping a close eye on the large-scale rebellion in PoK. Media is predicting that Centre may jump into action anytime now. Recently Utter Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also blamed the Pakistan government for the pathetic situation in the country, claiming that people from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were demanding to be part of India. Further continuing Yogi lauded PM Narendra Modi for changing the global perception about India, says “now out country strong enough and capable of giving a befitting reply if anybody looked at the country with an evil eye”.
The resolution of the issues ultimately depends on complex geopolitical factors and negotiations between the concerned parties, including India and Pakistan.
