Protests and Clashes Erupt in PoK As Police Arrests Public Action Committee Leaders

Local media reports on Saturday indicated that a strike in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s (PoK) Muzaffarabad disrupted businesses and daily life, leading to clashes between security forces and demonstrators. Organized by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), the strike saw tear gas shelling by police, affecting residents in homes and mosques. Reportedly, the police response followed stone-pelting from the demonstrators.

Protests unfolded in various PoK areas, including Samahni, Sehansa, Mirpur, Rawalakot, Khuiratta, Tattapani, and Hattian Bala. The strike was called following the overnight arrests of several JKJAAC leaders and activists in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur divisions. The public action committee protests against unfair taxes on electricity bills.

Clashes erupted in PoK’s Dadyal and Mirpur district amidst demonstrations against inflation and power cuts, resulting in multiple injuries and the imposition of a curfew by Pakistani authorities. Rights activists criticized Pakistani federal authorities for “state-sponsored violence” to enforce Section 144 and suppress protests scheduled for May 11 outside the legislative assembly in Muzaffarabad.

The Chief Secretary of PoK reportedly requested six civil armed forces (CAF) platoons for security, anticipating unrest. In preparation for the strike, Section 144 was enforced across PoK, with holidays announced in all educational institutions on May 10 and 11. The JKJAAC movement demands electricity to be provided to consumers at hydro-power production cost.