Muzzafarabad [PoJK] September 30 (ANI): Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) remains on edge as mass protests and a complete shutdown entered their second consecutive day.Demonstrators attempting to march towards Muzaffarabad encountered heavy restrictions, with authorities sealing all major roads and suspending communication networks.

In Dudyal, Mirpur, the Action Committee declared that the body of a protester would not be buried until the administration concedes to their demands, while security forces were seen clearing bridges to disrupt the march.Across the region, including Mirpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has mobilised residents in large rallies and demonstrations, reflecting an unprecedented unity in the struggle for rights.

The protests underscore growing resentment against the government’s inaction on the Committee’s demands.Tensions in Muzaffarabad flared further when police reportedly opened fire on a rally, killing three protesters and injuring more than 22 others. The incident has galvanised the movement, with people intensifying their demonstrations.

In Kotli, rallies converged in the town’s central square, where speakers denounced attempts by political figures to undermine the protest. One participant stated that the local MNA had repeatedly attempted to derail the movement but failed, while another emphasised that intimidation tactics had crumbled in the face of public determination.In Mirpur, protesters organised motorbike rallies, chanting slogans and demanding immediate action on JAAC’s charter.

The strong participation from diverse sections of society has highlighted the deep political dissatisfaction gripping the region.The movement has also drawn international support, with Kashmiri diaspora communities rallying in solidarity across the United Kingdom.

Demonstrations took place in cities such as Bradford, Birmingham, and London under the banner of the Jammu and Kashmir National Independence Alliance (JKNIA).Rights activists, political figures, and diaspora leaders condemned what they described as systematic oppression by Pakistani authorities in PoJK and pledged continued backing for the people’s struggle. (ANI)

UK protesters stand in solidarity with PoJK’s fight for civil rights

London [UK], September 30 (ANI): In a show of transnational solidarity, Kashmiris living in the United Kingdom held widespread protests across cities, including Bradford, Birmingham, and London, voicing their support for the ongoing people’s movement led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

Organised under the banner of the Jammu and Kashmir National Independence Alliance (JKNIA), the protests saw participation from rights activists, members of the diaspora, and political leaders who gathered to condemn what they called systematic oppression by Pakistani authorities in PoJK.Mahmood Kashmiri, Chairman of JKNIA, played a central role in mobilising support for the protests. Sharing updates through multiple social media channels and video messages, he emphasised that the struggle in PoJK is not isolated.

The most significant protest unfolded outside the Pakistani Consulate in Bradford, where demonstrators gathered with banners calling for an immediate end to the suppression of peaceful protests in PoJK.

During the demonstration, a memorandum was submitted to consulate officials, strongly denouncing the Pakistani government’s failure to address the legitimate demands of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), including calls for economic justice and civil rights.

The memorandum also condemned the prolonged internet blackout in various regions of PoJK, as well as the use of paramilitary forces to intimidate and silence civilian dissent.On September 29, PoJK witnessed a massive shutdown strike and widespread protests as public anger intensified over the government’s failure to meet the demands of the Joint Awami Action Committee.

Demonstrations and rallies broke out across the region, including in Mirpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, reflecting a united front by the people in their fight for rights.

In Muzaffarabad, the situation took a grave turn when police reportedly opened fire on protesters, leading to the deaths of two individuals and injuries to over 22 others. The tragic event further inflamed public outrage and strengthened the protest movement’s resolve. (ANI)

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