PoK Residents Issue Ultimatum To Pak Security Forces To Vacate The Area

New Delhi: While pressing for dialogue to end the crisis, the residents of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Saturday held sit-ins at Rawalakot and other places. The protestors issued an ultimatum to Pak security forces to vacate their area even as several incidents of police firing were recorded in PoK. With a fresh wave of protests from PoK residents expected in the coming days, the Pak government has advised tourists to avoid the area till July 20.

Citizen mobilization was underway in various places in Drake, Trar, Hussain Kot, Banjosa, and Khaigala where locals were asked by the leaders from the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to maintain high vigil, tight security and conduct night patrols.

In several places Pak soldiers reportedly, forcefully entered the houses of locals and vandalised their property while conducting searches for activists. Politicians of the area faced massive public wrath at several places and residents were seen chasing them away. The politicians are campaigning ahead of assembly polls in the region due on July 27. In fact, the PoK residents are opposing the present system of having 12 Assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees who migrated and settled in mainland Pakistan , mainly Punjab.

JAAC, which is leading the people’s movement, on Saturday reaffirmed that it plans to go ahead with demonstrations despite the crackdown on the people. The Pak government-run administration in PoK on June 5 had declared JAAC a terrorist organisation banning its activities. Pak has accused JAAC of “engaging in terrorism, disturbing peace and security of PoK, creating anarchy by intimidating the public, and promoting hatred.”