New Delhi, Nov 6: PoK protests have continued for more than three months despite a brief lull. Demonstrations demanding basic amenities and fundamental rights show no signs of ending.
Reports now point to the alleged use of drones and heavy weapons as Pakistan intensifies its crackdown on protesters.
According to officials, Pakistani forces have used tear gas, firing and lathi charges to control the agitation. They have also reportedly targeted private homes with drones.
PoK Protests Spread Beyond Rawalakot
An official described the reported drone attacks on private homes as a major escalation. The official said earlier attempts to disperse protesters had failed.
“Pakistan had turned to this tactic after its earlier use of force, including tear gas, firing and lathi charges, failed to deter protesters in PoK or bring the agitation to an end,” the official said.
The official added that the use of force had strengthened public participation. More people have joined the demonstrations instead of backing down.
The Joint Action Awami Committee (JAAC) initially led the protests. However, the agitation has now spread beyond Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad, the region’s capital.
Students from Chehla University and Jamia Kashmir Muzaffarabad have also joined the demonstrations. They took to the streets to express solidarity with people facing the reported crackdown.
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Students Joining JAAC Protests Raises Concerns
Another official said student participation could widen the agitation further.
“Not only does it signal how wide the protests are reaching, but it is also an indication that the people are not going to take things lying down,” the official added.
Officials also alleged that drones were targeting residential areas and locations near protest sites.
Protesters have further claimed that Pakistani authorities are moving fresh consignments of heavy weapons into the region.
An Intelligence Bureau official described these developments as signs of a possible escalation in violence. The official warned that civilians could face serious risks.
Pakistan Reportedly Tightens Media Restrictions in PoK
Officials also claimed that authorities had further tightened restrictions on media coverage.
“The establishment has further tightened restrictions on the media. Although curbs were already in place, state-fed information continued to be broadcast. However, there is now a complete blackout, with no news outlet in Pakistan making any mention of PoK,” the official said.
The official alleged that the restrictions could indicate preparations for a wider offensive against protesters.
However, these claims about military preparations and a possible offensive remain attributed to the officials quoted in the report.
Protesters Continue Demonstrations Despite Crackdown
People in PoK have continued their demonstrations despite reported threats and the use of force.
Officials said authorities had failed to fulfil promises made to groups such as the JAAC. They said this had added to public anger.
D-Chowk in Rawalakot remains the biggest protest site. The area has also seen the highest security deployment.
According to the report, protesters have refused to leave despite the security presence and use of force.
Alleged Sabotage Attempts at PoK Protest Sites
Officials have also alleged attempts to disrupt the demonstrations through infiltration.
They claimed that pro-establishment elements had tried to enter protest sites and sabotage the agitation.
In the latest reported incident, three security personnel in plain clothes allegedly entered a protest site. They reportedly attempted to open fire on demonstrators.
Protesters, however, allegedly thwarted the attempt.
These allegations have not been independently established in the supplied report.
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UN Experts Question JAAC Terrorist Designation
The escalating situation has also drawn attention from international human rights experts.
Six United Nations human rights experts had questioned Pakistan’s decision to designate the JAAC as a proscribed terrorist organisation.
An official alleged that the designation aimed to justify the use of force against protesters.
The official claimed Pakistan wanted to portray the crackdown as an operation against members of a proscribed organisation rather than ordinary demonstrators.
The protests continue as residents demand basic amenities and fundamental rights.
–IANS
