PoJK Protests Expose Pakistan's Kashmir Policy Unravelling
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Security
Why in news
The recent violent protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) have led to at least 40 civilian deaths, challenging Pakistan's long-standing policy on Kashmir. The unrest, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), demands the abolition of reserved seats for 'refugees' from India, exposing the hypocrisy of Pakistan's claims of supporting freedom. Pakistan's defence minister's dismissive response has further highlighted the untenability of its stance.
Background
Pakistan has historically used terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba to wage asymmetric warfare against India in Kashmir. The PoJK region has been under Pakistan's control since 1947, with its own legislative assembly. The JAAC protests mark a rare internal uprising against Pakistan's administration in the region.
Key facts
At least 40 unarmed civilians were killed in firing by Pakistan's security forces in PoJK, with bodies reportedly lying in streets of Rawalakot and Mirpur.
The protests are led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), demanding the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the local legislature for 'refugees' from India.
Pakistan's TV channels imposed a media blackout, and JAAC claims the death toll could be higher, with bodies forcibly removed from hospitals and morgues.
Pakistan's defence minister Khwaja Asif dismissed protesters as 'enemies, like India', showing nonchalance.
The unrest indicates that Pakistan-trained terrorists are becoming a 'noose around their neck'.
Hillary Clinton had warned Pakistan in 2011: 'You can't keep snakes in your backyard'.
The protests have upended the policies of Pakistan's deep state that used terrorism against India.
The world remains a passive observer to the violence in PoJK.
Prelims pointers
- PoJK: Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir
- JAAC: Joint Awami Action Committee
- Line of Control (LoC)
- Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
- Rawalakot and Mirpur: cities in PoJK
- Khwaja Asif: Pakistan's defence minister
- Hillary Clinton: former US Secretary of State
Mains angles
- Discuss the implications of internal unrest in PoJK on India's Kashmir policy.
- Critically examine Pakistan's use of terrorism as a state policy and its consequences.
- Analyze the role of international community in addressing human rights violations in PoJK.