2 weeks ago
PoK Protesters Demand Pakistani Army Withdrawal on Independence Day
Many people in a place called Pakistan-occupied Kashmir got together on Pakistan's Independence Day to share what they wanted.
They told Pakistan's army and police to leave their homeland because they say it belongs to them.
A long time ago, the United Nations made a rule that the army should leave, and the people say they are still waiting.
The night before the big meeting, soldiers are said to have shot at the crowd, and some people got hurt.
One of the hurt people was the cousin of the protest leader, but he is now safe.
The local police say the protesters shot at them first, but the protesters say that is not true.
To show how serious they are, the protesters say they will not pay taxes, electricity bills, or water bills.
They also say they will walk to a city called Muzaffarabad if the army keeps hurting people.
Many women and children joined the meeting to ask for fairness, rights, and justice.
Protesters in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), demanded the withdrawal of the Pakistani Army and paramilitary forces on Pakistan's Independence Day.
JAAC leader Sardar Aman Khan cited the UN resolution of August 13, 1948, asking when the army would leave PoK.
The protest followed Thursday evening firing by Pakistani forces that injured Bilawal, the first cousin of Sardar Aman Khan; locals also alleged looting of homes.
PoK Police claimed protesters fired at police personnel, a charge denied by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
The JAAC declared civil disobedience including refusal to pay income tax and utility bills, and warned of a long march toward Muzaffarabad if attacks continue.
- Who
- Protesters in PoK led by Sardar Aman Khan and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
- What
- Demanded the withdrawal of the Pakistani Army and paramilitary forces from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and announced civil disobedience.
- Where
- Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
- When
- On Friday, Pakistan's Independence Day, a day after Thursday evening firing on protesters.
- Why
- Seeking fundamental rights, justice, and implementation of the UN resolution of August 13, 1948, and protesting the alleged firing and looting by Pakistani forces.
Protesters and JAAC
PoK Police and Pakistani authorities
Who opened fire in Rawalakot?
Protesters and JAAC
Pakistani forces opened fire on civilians, injuring Bilawal, and locals allege forces looted belongings from homes.
PoK Police and Pakistani authorities
PoK Police claimed protesters fired at police personnel first, a charge denied by the JAAC.
Key facts
- Event
- Independence Day protest demanding army withdrawal
- Location
- Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)
- Key organization
- Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC)
- Protest leader
- Sardar Aman Khan
- Referenced UN resolution
- August 13, 1948
- Trigger
- Firing by Pakistani forces at protesters on Thursday evening
- Injured
- Bilawal, first cousin of Sardar Aman Khan (reported out of danger)
- Police counterclaim
- Protesters fired at police personnel (denied by JAAC)
Quotes
Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri
JAAC senior member
“"We want to make it clear that if these brutal and deadly attacks continue, the core members will announce their course of action and begin a long march towards Muzaffarabad."”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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