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Rawalakot, PoK<\/strong>: Thousands of civilians have taken to the streets in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), demanding independence from Pakistani rule, according to reports from various international media outlets. The protests, which have been widely covered by news agencies like ANI, WION, and The New Indian Express, have reportedly escalated into clashes in the main city of Rawalakot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rawalakot, PoK: Thousands of civilians have taken to the streets in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), demanding independence from Pakistani rule, according to reports from various international media outlets. The protests, which have been widely covered by news agencies like ANI, WION, and The New Indian Express, have reportedly escalated into clashes in the main city of…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5851,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5850","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international"],"yoast_head":"\n
The protests appear to be a culmination of long-standing grievances against the Pakistani government. While many of the recent demonstrations have been triggered by immediate concerns such as soaring inflation, high electricity tariffs, and a lack of basic amenities, the underlying sentiment for ‘azadi’ (freedom) from Pakistani control is a recurring theme.
Reports indicate that the protesters, chanting anti-Pakistan and pro-independence slogans, clashed with security forces. Videos and images circulating on social media, also highlighted by media sources, show police using batons and tear gas to disperse the crowds, with some reports alleging that paramilitary forces have used live fire, leading to casualties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pakistani media, such as Dawn, has also covered the unrest, though often focusing on the economic and social issues as the primary cause rather than the calls for independence. However, the sheer scale and intensity of the protests, particularly in Rawalakot and other major cities like Muzaffarabad, suggest a growing movement against the Pakistani administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The latest wave of protests follows a series of demonstrations that have been taking place throughout the year, with various groups, including the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), leading the charge. International media reports, including those from Al Jazeera and Hindustan Times, have highlighted the government’s crackdown on these protests, including the arrests of protest leaders and the suspension of internet services. The situation continues to be tense, with protesters vowing to continue their agitation until their demands are met.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"