Protests continue in PoK's Rawalakot over alleged shooting by Pak security forces
Protesters continued to stage demonstrations on Thursday at D-Chowk in Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after social media accounts associated with the Jammu Kashmir Joint
Protesters continued to stage demonstrations on Thursday at D-Chowk in Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after social media accounts associated with the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) alleged that security forces used lethal force against demonstrators, resulting in fatalities. According to the JKJAAC-linked social media accounts, protesters have been sitting at D-Chowk for several days while calling for a long march and protesting the "brutality" and "targeted killings" by security forces, news agency ANI reported. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What triggered the protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)? ⌵ The protests in PoK were initially sparked by rising electricity tariffs and food prices, but they later escalated into demands for electoral reforms ahead of regional elections, particularly the abolition of legislated seats for refugees. 2 Why do protesters accuse the Pakistani security forces of targeted killings? ⌵ Protesters have alleged that security forces used excessive force during demonstrations, resulting in fatalities, with claims that unarmed civilians were specifically targeted by armed personnel. 3 How has the internet shutdown affected the situation in PoK during the protests? ⌵ The internet shutdown has hindered independent verification of events on the ground, made it difficult for journalists and civil society groups to report, and suppressed communications among protestors.
4 What are the main demands of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in the protests? ⌵ The main demands of JAAC include the abolition of 12 legislative seats reserved for refugees from India, as they believe these seats grant disproportionate influence to non-residents in local politics. 5 Why was the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) banned in Pakistan? ⌵ JAAC was banned under anti-terrorism laws due to concerns over public order, with authorities alleging that the group attempted to sabotage elections and was infiltrated by armed militants. Why are people protesting in PoK? What do we know? PoK has witnessed weeks of unrest ahead of the regional legislative elections, with protesters demanding electoral reforms, authorities accusing demonstrators of attempting to disrupt the polls, and international human rights organisations seeking an independent investigation into the reported violence. According to Al Jazeera, the protests are being spearheaded by the JKJAAC, a coalition of activists, political workers, and traders. The movement initially began over rising electricity tariffs and food prices but later shifted its focus to electoral reforms ahead of the regional polls. Among its principal demands is the removal of 12 seats reserved in the PoK legislative assembly for refugees from the Indian side of Kashmir.
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