‘PoK Protesters Are Enemies Like India’: Pakistan Defence Minister Sparks Massive Controversy

Islamabad: A statement by Pakistan's defence minister, Khawaja Asif has become the cause of new controversy amid the ongoing protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). In an interview with a local TV channel, he said that the protesters who took to the streets against Islamabad are "enemies like India" for him. Not only this, he also denied the possibility of talks with the protesters and called them anti-national. After his statement, a new debate has erupted in Pakistani politics and the already ongoing tension in PoK is expected to increase further.

Why are the people of PoK angry?

Protests have been going on in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir PoK for the last several weeks. It is being led by Joint Awami Action Committee JAAC. The biggest demand of the protesters is that the 12 assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees should be abolished. They allege that through these seats Islamabad interferes in local politics and the democratic rights of the people of the area are weakened.

How did violence erupt in the protest?

On Tuesday, thousands of people were marching from Rawalakot towards Muzaffarabad. JAAC claims that about 5,000 people were marching peacefully. But during this time the security forces started firing on them. According to the organisation, at least 14 people were killed and more than two dozen people were injured in this incident. 

Usman Nazir, younger brother of JAAC founding member Omar Nazir, is also said to be among those killed. At present, there is tension in the area and the administration has increased security.

What is the stand of Pakistani administration?

Pakistani officials have rejected the allegations levelled against the security forces. He says that the protesters had modern weapons and first attacked the security forces, after which retaliatory action was taken. However, the claims of both sides could not be independently verified. Meanwhile, human rights organisations have raised the demand for an impartial investigation into the entire incident.

Why did political tension increase before the elections?

This development in PoK has come to light at a time when Pakistan is taking forward the process of assembly elections there. Opposition parties are alleging election rigging and administrative pressure. Reports of clashes and alleged voting irregularities have also emerged from many areas. Political analysts believe that the current situation may make the electoral process more controversial.

What did India say on the whole matter?

India has earlier also expressed objection to the elections being held in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and the situation there. The Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated that the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas occupied by Pakistan, are an integral and inalienable part of India. India says that the continuous protests in PoK reflect the resentment of the people there, economic problems and administrative repression, which cannot be hidden through the electoral process.