New Delhi: Large scale anti government protests in Pakistan occupied Kashmir have entered their 24th consecutive day, with tens of thousands of demonstrators gathering in Rawalakot as criticism of Islamabad and the Pakistani military continues to intensify.
Addressing a massive crowd at the Eidgah grounds, Sardar Aman Khan, leader of the Joint Awami Action Committee, made explosive allegations regarding Pakistan’s long debated role in militancy in the Kashmir region.
Khan claimed that it was the Pakistani military itself that had supplied weapons and ammunition to Kashmiris in the past, accusing authorities of hypocrisy for now branding protesters and local voices as terrorists.
During his speech, he also referred to an event held in Rawalakot last year in which armed participants allegedly marched openly through the city carrying weapons, claiming that local authorities had permitted the gathering and provided security arrangements for it.
His remarks drew loud applause from the crowd gathered at the protest site.
Khan warned that if the movement’s 38 demands were not addressed by the Pakistani government, the protests could evolve into a broader campaign demanding that Pakistan withdraw entirely from Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
The demonstrations have increasingly shifted from economic and governance issues to wider political questions surrounding Islamabad’s control over the region.
Earlier this week, several speakers at protest gatherings openly challenged Pakistan’s authority in the territory and suggested seeking stronger engagement with India if their concerns continued to be ignored.
The unrest has also drawn support from members of the Pakistan occupied Kashmir diaspora, with solidarity protests reportedly being organised outside Pakistani diplomatic missions in several countries.
The prolonged protests represent one of the most significant public mobilisations witnessed in the region in recent years and underscore growing dissatisfaction with the administration and governance of Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
