Rawalakot, Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK) \u2014 <\/strong>A wave of protests erupted across Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Monday, as thousands of citizens took to the streets demanding basic rights and accountability from the Islamabad-backed administration. What began as a \u201cshutter-down \/ wheel-jam\u201d call by an opposition coalition has turned into one of the most intense civil unrest episodes in recent years in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The protests were orchestrated by the Awami Action Committee (AAC) and its allied civil society organizations, who claim that for decades the people of PoK have been denied fundamental political, economic, and social rights. Among their 38-point charter of demands are calls to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n AAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir told the crowds that \u201cour campaign is not against any institution but for the fundamental rights denied to our people for 70 years. Either deliver on rights or face the wrath of the people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The protests rapidly spread across multiple districts, including Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Rawalakot, Neelum Valley, and Keran. Local businesses, educational institutions, and public transport were shut down in many parts, as the strike call was widely heeded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In response, authorities imposed partial suspension of internet and telecom services to try to throttle coordination and social media mobilization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Security forces were deployed in large numbers. Reports say thousands of troops were moved in from Punjab province, and convoys staged flag marches through several PoK towns. Entry and exit points to key areas were sealed in anticipation of intensification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tensions escalated when security forces opened fire on demonstrators in Muzaffarabad, resulting in at least two confirmed deaths and more than 22 injured persons. One protestor in Kotli said, \u201cPeople were threatened and intimidated, but today everyone is standing firm for their rights. Until AAC\u2019s demands are met, the protests will continue.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The protest presents a direct challenge to Islamabad\u2019s political control over PoK. The AAC asserts its aim is not secession, but restoration of civil rights and better governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, Pakistani authorities view the agitation as politically charged and potentially destabilizing. The large security buildup and communications clampdown indicate that the government is treating it as a serious threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Analysts warn the unrest might intensify over the coming days, especially if the demands go unmet or if security crackdowns worsen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rawalakot, Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK) \u2014 A wave of protests erupted across Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Monday, as thousands of citizens took to the streets demanding basic rights and accountability from the Islamabad-backed administration. What began as a \u201cshutter-down \/ wheel-jam\u201d call by an opposition coalition has turned into one of the most intense civil unrest episodes…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6528,"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-6527","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international"],"yoast_head":"\nSpark and Grievances<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Spread, Shutdown, and Government Response<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Violence and Casualties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Eyewitnesses say armed individuals \u2014 allegedly backed by local political factions aligned with the government \u2014 also participated in firing on the crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\nImpact on Civilians<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Political Stakes and Reactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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