<p>Protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) entered the fourth day on Monday (May 13) amid an unsuccessful clampdown by the Pakistani authorities. The protesters, led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), are protesting against skyrocketing inflation and high electricity bills.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the demonstrations have snowballed into a movement of resistance against Pakistani occupation of the legally Indian territories with the 'Azadi' (freedom) chorus taking over Muzaffarabad and Kotli regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/azadi-chorus-takes-over-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-amid-economic-crisis-720574">'Azadi' chorus takes over PoK amid economic crisis; PM Shehbaz Sharif reacts</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, inside Kashmir across the Line of Control, a large number of voters came out of their homes to exercise their franchise for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat during India's raging election summer in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term in power.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Enthusiastic voters are queuing up across polling stations in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Srinagar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Srinagar</a><br />
<br />
📷CEO J&amp;K<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YouAreTheOne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YouAreTheOne</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeneralElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeneralElections2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChunavKaParv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChunavKaParv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeshKaGarv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeshKaGarv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InkWaliSelfie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InkWaliSelfie</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vs7PNVlqRL">pic.twitter.com/Vs7PNVlqRL</a></p>
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP/status/1789889206791118922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>India's Jammu and Kashmir: The Big Picture</strong></h2>

<p>Since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian constitution that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir state, New Delhi has repeatedly gone back to a parliamentary resolution passed in the 1990s, that describes Kashmir's territories under Pakistani and Chinese occupation as illegal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, by starving separatists of their Pakistani funds, New Delhi has managed to stave off Pakistan-sponsored insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir with isolated incidents of terrorism coming up to replace the larger state of insurgency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But across the Line of Control, Pakistan's dire economic straits have blown up a state of resistance that was previously unfathomable for Islamabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/12/430936-pok-1.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><em>Protesters demonstrating in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir | ANI</em></p>

<h2><strong>Protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir: Why they matter?</strong></h2>

<p>They matter because the demonstrations have brought daily life to a standstill. Islamabad has deployed rangers and telecommunication services have been suspended to control the dissent.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;PoK continues to protest inflation, taxation</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pok-continues-to-protest-inflation-taxation-720786/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The protests point to the Pakistani government's purported show of elitism in its administration of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. They further highlight the region's volatile political climate and people's grievances over Pakistan's inadequate governance.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What next?</strong></h2>

<p>The Pakistani government is now engaging with the protest leaders through intermediaries. But if these talks fail, the PoK may see a continued state of unrest that would further challenge Islamabad's authority over occupied territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) entered the fourth day on Monday (May 13) amid an unsuccessful clampdown by the Pakistani authorities. The protesters, led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), are protesting against skyrocketing inflation and high electricity bills.

Protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) entered the fourth day on Monday (May 13) amid an unsuccessful clampdown by the Pakistani authorities. The protesters, led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), are protesting against skyrocketing inflation and high electricity bills. But the demonstrations have snowballed into a movement of resistance against Pakistani occupation of the legally Indian territories with the 'Azadi' (freedom) chorus taking over Muzaffarabad and Kotli regions. Also read | 'Azadi' chorus takes over PoK amid economic crisis; PM Shehbaz Sharif reacts Meanwhile, inside Kashmir across the Line of Control, a large number of voters came out of their homes to exercise their franchise for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat during India's raging election summer in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term in power. Enthusiastic voters are queuing up across polling stations in #Srinagar 📷CEO J&K#YouAreTheOne #GeneralElections2024 #ChunavKaParv #DeshKaGarv #LokSabhaElections2024 #InkWaliSelfie pic.twitter.com/Vs7PNVlqRL — Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) May 13, 2024 × India's Jammu and Kashmir: The Big Picture Since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian constitution that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir state, New Delhi has repeatedly gone back to a parliamentary resolution passed in the 1990s, that describes Kashmir's territories under Pakistani and Chinese occupation as illegal. Besides, by starving separatists of their Pakistani funds, New Delhi has managed to stave off Pakistan-sponsored insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir with isolated incidents of terrorism coming up to replace the larger state of insurgency. But across the Line of Control, Pakistan's dire economic straits have blown up a state of resistance that was previously unfathomable for Islamabad. Protesters demonstrating in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir | ANI Protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir: Why they matter? They matter because the demonstrations have brought daily life to a standstill. Islamabad has deployed rangers and telecommunication services have been suspended to control the dissent. Also watch | PoK continues to protest inflation, taxation × The protests point to the Pakistani government's purported show of elitism in its administration of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. They further highlight the region's volatile political climate and people's grievances over Pakistan's inadequate governance. What next? The Pakistani government is now engaging with the protest leaders through intermediaries. But if these talks fail, the PoK may see a continued state of unrest that would further challenge Islamabad's authority over occupied territory. (With inputs from agencies)

Democracy in action in Srinagar but PoK calls for 'Azadi'. Here's what it means

<p>Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was again hit by massive freedom protests last week as hundreds of protesters took to the streets to voice their anger against the Pakistani administration. Not only that, they are also threatening the Pakistani government with an all-out civil war and calls to join India.</p>

<p>Videos circulating on the internet show an angry crowd demanding the immediate release of their leaders. The crowd had gathered near a mosque in Skardu in PoK’s Gilgit Baltistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video, the leader of the angry crowd can be seen saying, “We will go to Kargil and no one will be able to stop us." "Remove these terrorists, I have two FIRs, why are we are being provoked," he adds, making a subtle reference to the Pakistani military.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Locals in 𝐆𝐈𝐋𝐆𝐈𝐓 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍 have threatened Pakistan Govt to immediately release their leaders or they will rage a civil war &amp; merge with India<a href="https://t.co/nTftxAj8TH">pic.twitter.com/nTftxAj8TH</a></p>
— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) <a href="https://twitter.com/rishibagree/status/1696514837722083444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Massive protest at Skardu Gilgit Baltistan against Toheen Sabah bill keep in mind on the behalf of this Bill The FIR has been launched against Syed Baqir Al Hussaini for cursing Yazid bin Muawiyah bin Sufiyan<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/skardu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#skardu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GilgitBaltistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GilgitBaltistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/GpadJgWvPQ">pic.twitter.com/GpadJgWvPQ</a></p>
— SYED (@syedustb) <a href="https://twitter.com/syedustb/status/1695079737570288002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Why are locals protesting?</strong></h2>

<p>Residents enduring Pakistani rule in the Kashmir region often complain of the lack of human rights and basic facilities, such as connectivity and electricity. Recently, Shia Muslims in the area erupted in anger over an FIR against a Shia cleric of the region.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Massive protest erupts in Gilgit Baltistan against Pak govt after Shia cleric's arrest</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/massive-protest-erupts-in-gilgit-baltistan-against-pak-govt-after-shia-clerics-arrest-630491/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Shia cleric was booked by Pakistani agencies, backed by a highly conservative Sunni military. &nbsp;The discontent is also over the blasphemy bill and laws, which have been made even stricter, reported Free Press Journal.</p>

<h2><strong>Is the Pak army escalating tensions?</strong></h2>

<p>The demonstrators also blocked roads and passages, alleging that it was the army and the intelligence agency ISI who were escalating tensions in the region by taking advantage of the sectarian divisions.</p>

<p>Such is the anger against the Pakistani administration and the army that locals are now openly saying what was considered blasphemy just a few months back—Rejoining India.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/from-2800-to-4000-president-of-cash-strapped-pakistan-demands-massive-hike-in-monthly-salary-630580"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;From $2800 to $4000: President of cash-strapped Pakistan demands massive hike in monthly salary</strong></a></p>

<p>“If you give us pain, we will give you double the pain. There is no peace now. Peace will come when our lives will be secured. If we are not safe, no one else will be spared. I am saying this in the open, this place will not be opened for traffic till the time the government officials withdraw the FIR. They took action against our cleric. We want them to come and face us,” said Wazir Hasnain, a social worker in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was again hit by massive freedom protests last week as hundreds of protesters took to the streets to voice their anger against the Pakistani administration.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was again hit by massive freedom protests last week as hundreds of protesters took to the streets to voice their anger against the Pakistani administration. Not only that, they are also threatening the Pakistani government with an all-out civil war and calls to join India. Videos circulating on the internet show an angry crowd demanding the immediate release of their leaders. The crowd had gathered near a mosque in Skardu in PoK’s Gilgit Baltistan. In a video, the leader of the angry crowd can be seen saying, “We will go to Kargil and no one will be able to stop us." "Remove these terrorists, I have two FIRs, why are we are being provoked," he adds, making a subtle reference to the Pakistani military. Locals in 𝐆𝐈𝐋𝐆𝐈𝐓 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍 have threatened Pakistan Govt to immediately release their leaders or they will rage a civil war & merge with Indiapic.twitter.com/nTftxAj8TH — Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) August 29, 2023 × Massive protest at Skardu Gilgit Baltistan against Toheen Sabah bill keep in mind on the behalf of this Bill The FIR has been launched against Syed Baqir Al Hussaini for cursing Yazid bin Muawiyah bin Sufiyan#skardu #GilgitBaltistan pic.twitter.com/GpadJgWvPQ — SYED (@syedustb) August 25, 2023 × Why are locals protesting? Residents enduring Pakistani rule in the Kashmir region often complain of the lack of human rights and basic facilities, such as connectivity and electricity. Recently, Shia Muslims in the area erupted in anger over an FIR against a Shia cleric of the region. Watch: Massive protest erupts in Gilgit Baltistan against Pak govt after Shia cleric's arrest × The Shia cleric was booked by Pakistani agencies, backed by a highly conservative Sunni military. The discontent is also over the blasphemy bill and laws, which have been made even stricter, reported Free Press Journal. Is the Pak army escalating tensions? The demonstrators also blocked roads and passages, alleging that it was the army and the intelligence agency ISI who were escalating tensions in the region by taking advantage of the sectarian divisions. Such is the anger against the Pakistani administration and the army that locals are now openly saying what was considered blasphemy just a few months back—Rejoining India. Also read: From $2800 to $4000: President of cash-strapped Pakistan demands massive hike in monthly salary “If you give us pain, we will give you double the pain. There is no peace now. Peace will come when our lives will be secured. If we are not safe, no one else will be spared. I am saying this in the open, this place will not be opened for traffic till the time the government officials withdraw the FIR. They took action against our cleric. We want them to come and face us,” said Wazir Hasnain, a social worker in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘Will join India’: Angry crowd in Pak-occupied Gilgit Baltistan threatens to launch civil war, Watch

<p>India has taken umbrage at the invitation extended by Pakistan and China, allowing third countries&nbsp;to join and invest in the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects—a pet project of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).</p>

<p>"We have seen reports on encouraging proposed participation of third countries in so-called CPEC projects. Any such actions by any party directly infringe on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a statement.</p>

<p>India’s response came days after the third meeting of the CPEC Joint Working Group (JWG) on International&nbsp;Cooperation and Coordination (JWG-ICC) where all-weather allies Pakistan and China expressed interest in inviting other countries to make investments in the project.</p>

<p>"As an open and inclusive platform, both sides welcomed interested third parties to benefit from avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation opened up by CPEC," the Pakistan Foreign Office statement said.</p>

<p>CPEC is a combination of transport and energy projects that will largely centre on an economic corridor from Gwadar in Pakistan to Kashgar in the Chinese region of Xinjiang.</p>

<p>India’s opposition to CPEC stems from the fact that the proposed economic corridor traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-china-invite-any-third-country-to-join-cpec-project-499943">Pakistan, China invite ‘any third country’ to join CPEC project</a></p>

<p>China has been defending the CPEC, saying it is an economic project not aimed at any third country.</p>

<p>“India firmly and consistently opposes projects in the so-called CPEC, which are in Indian territory that has been illegally occupied by Pakistan,” Bagchi said.</p>

<p>“Such activities are inherently illegal, illegitimate and unacceptable, and will be treated accordingly by India,” he added.</p>

<p>Originally valued at $47 billion, the value of CPEC projects is worth $62 billion as of 2020, according to BBC.</p>

<p>Though it has not been revealed who might be investing in the project, a Global Times report on January 16 suggested that Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Germany might come on board.</p>


India has taken umbrage at the invitation extended by Pakistan and China, allowing third countries to join and invest in the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects—a pet project of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

India has taken umbrage at the invitation extended by Pakistan and China, allowing third countries to join and invest in the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects—a pet project of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). "We have seen reports on encouraging proposed participation of third countries in so-called CPEC projects. Any such actions by any party directly infringe on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a statement. India’s response came days after the third meeting of the CPEC Joint Working Group (JWG) on International Cooperation and Coordination (JWG-ICC) where all-weather allies Pakistan and China expressed interest in inviting other countries to make investments in the project. "As an open and inclusive platform, both sides welcomed interested third parties to benefit from avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation opened up by CPEC," the Pakistan Foreign Office statement said. CPEC is a combination of transport and energy projects that will largely centre on an economic corridor from Gwadar in Pakistan to Kashgar in the Chinese region of Xinjiang. India’s opposition to CPEC stems from the fact that the proposed economic corridor traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Also read | Pakistan, China invite ‘any third country’ to join CPEC project China has been defending the CPEC, saying it is an economic project not aimed at any third country. “India firmly and consistently opposes projects in the so-called CPEC, which are in Indian territory that has been illegally occupied by Pakistan,” Bagchi said. “Such activities are inherently illegal, illegitimate and unacceptable, and will be treated accordingly by India,” he added. Originally valued at $47 billion, the value of CPEC projects is worth $62 billion as of 2020, according to BBC. Though it has not been revealed who might be investing in the project, a Global Times report on January 16 suggested that Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Germany might come on board.

India slams Pak-China’s proposal to invite third countries in CPEC projects

<p>The Indian Air Force and Indian Army on Wednesday commemorated the 75th ‘Infantry Day’ when the Indian armed forces arrived in Srinagar to repel attacks from Pakistan, after Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) decided to join the Indian union.</p>

<p>It was on this day 75 years ago in 1947 that the air force first landed in Budgam to thwart Pakistani militants from entering the Indian territory to stoke up secessionist movement following the partition of India.</p>

<p>October 27 is celebrated as the ‘Infantry Day’ by the Indian Army to commemorate the arrival of the Indian Army at Badgam Airfield to protect Jammu &amp; Kashmir after the ‘Instrument of Accession’ was signed on 26 October 1947 between the erstwhile king of J&amp;K Maharaja Hari Singh and the Republic of India.</p>

<p>The Badgam landings were the first military operations of independent India when the Indian Army was inducted by the Indian Air Force at Budgam Airport on 27 October 1947,&nbsp;said the Indian army.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-october-22-1947-the-black-day-of-pakistani-atrocities-in-kashmir-422884">Opinion | October 22, 1947, the black day of Pakistani atrocities in Kashmir</a></p>

<p>“On this historic occasion, on 75 years of Budgam landing, in which after the Instrument of Accession was signed, we moved in quickly our troops. Srinagar airfield was saved and thereafter we could launch a further offensive and push the Pakistan military, which came as kabailis, further back,” Air Marshal Amit Dev said.</p>

<p>“I am sure, if the UN had not intervened, perhaps the entire Kashmir would have been ours. It was not only IAF and Army's participation in Budgam but there have been many small missions that have resulted in ensuring the freedom of free Kashmir. I'm sure someday PoK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) will join this part of Kashmir and we'll have whole Kashmir in years to come,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-will-help-pakistan-conquer-kashmir-leader-of-imran-khans-party-408045">Taliban will help Pakistan conquer Kashmir: Leader of Imran Khan’s party</a></p>

<p>The replication of the historic event was organised at Old Air Field to pay tribute to the soldiers and people of Jammu &amp; Kashmir who laid down their lives, and also to honour the next of kin of war heroes who participated in the 1947-48 War.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The event was attended by Jammu &amp; Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Air Marshal Amit Dev, Air Officer Commanding-In-Chief, Western Air Command, Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey, General Officer Commanding 15 Corps along with several other civil and military dignitaries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The first Sikh, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Dewan Ranjit Rai, who later laid down his life at Baramulla, changed the course of the war, wherein people and soldiers of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and the Indian Army fought valiantly alongside to evict Pakistani Forces, driving them out of most of Jammu &amp; Kashmir till ceasefire on 05 January 1949,'' said the Indian Army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian Army also unveiled a war memorial at Srinagar Airport.</p>

<p>The memorial commemorates the arrival of Indian Army in Indian Air Force at Srinagar Airport in 1947, and the role played by Major Somnath Sharma, Param Vir Chakra, Brigadier Rajinder Singh, Maha Vir Chakra and Maqbool Sherwani in India’s historic victory in its first war after independence.&nbsp;</p>


The Indian Air Force and Indian Army on Wednesday commemorated the 75th ‘Infantry Day’ when the Indian armed forces arrived in Srinagar to repel attacks from Pakistan, after Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) decided to join the Indian union.

The Indian Air Force and Indian Army on Wednesday commemorated the 75th ‘Infantry Day’ when the Indian armed forces arrived in Srinagar to repel attacks from Pakistan, after Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) decided to join the Indian union. It was on this day 75 years ago in 1947 that the air force first landed in Budgam to thwart Pakistani militants from entering the Indian territory to stoke up secessionist movement following the partition of India. October 27 is celebrated as the ‘Infantry Day’ by the Indian Army to commemorate the arrival of the Indian Army at Badgam Airfield to protect Jammu & Kashmir after the ‘Instrument of Accession’ was signed on 26 October 1947 between the erstwhile king of J&K Maharaja Hari Singh and the Republic of India. The Badgam landings were the first military operations of independent India when the Indian Army was inducted by the Indian Air Force at Budgam Airport on 27 October 1947, said the Indian army. Also read | Opinion | October 22, 1947, the black day of Pakistani atrocities in Kashmir “On this historic occasion, on 75 years of Budgam landing, in which after the Instrument of Accession was signed, we moved in quickly our troops. Srinagar airfield was saved and thereafter we could launch a further offensive and push the Pakistan military, which came as kabailis, further back,” Air Marshal Amit Dev said. “I am sure, if the UN had not intervened, perhaps the entire Kashmir would have been ours. It was not only IAF and Army's participation in Budgam but there have been many small missions that have resulted in ensuring the freedom of free Kashmir. I'm sure someday PoK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) will join this part of Kashmir and we'll have whole Kashmir in years to come,” he added. Also read | Taliban will help Pakistan conquer Kashmir: Leader of Imran Khan’s party The replication of the historic event was organised at Old Air Field to pay tribute to the soldiers and people of Jammu & Kashmir who laid down their lives, and also to honour the next of kin of war heroes who participated in the 1947-48 War. The event was attended by Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Air Marshal Amit Dev, Air Officer Commanding-In-Chief, Western Air Command, Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey, General Officer Commanding 15 Corps along with several other civil and military dignitaries. “The first Sikh, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Dewan Ranjit Rai, who later laid down his life at Baramulla, changed the course of the war, wherein people and soldiers of Jammu & Kashmir and the Indian Army fought valiantly alongside to evict Pakistani Forces, driving them out of most of Jammu & Kashmir till ceasefire on 05 January 1949,'' said the Indian Army. The Indian Army also unveiled a war memorial at Srinagar Airport. The memorial commemorates the arrival of Indian Army in Indian Air Force at Srinagar Airport in 1947, and the role played by Major Somnath Sharma, Param Vir Chakra, Brigadier Rajinder Singh, Maha Vir Chakra and Maqbool Sherwani in India’s historic victory in its first war after independence.

‘Someday, Pakistan occupied Kashmir will join India’, says Air Force official on 75th 'Infantry Day’

<p>An activist from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) hit out at Pakistan for its aim to alter the status of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan, saying Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government has been trying to "illegally merge" the region with the Punjab province.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-using-terror-religion-as-tools-to-mislead-kashmiris-say-activists-246027">Nasir Aziz Khan</a>, the spokesperson of United Kashmir People's National Party, has reacted to an order dated December 11 issued by 'Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir' Services and General Administration Department (Regulations) saying the 'President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir' ordered renaming of 'Azad Jammu and Kashmir Management Group' as 'Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services' (JKAS) with immediate effect.<br />
<br />
The order was issued just a couple of days after PoK Prime Minister Farooq Haider Khan said in Muzaffarabad that he could be the last Prime Minister of PoK dropping enough hints that Pakistan could alter the status of PoK.<br />
<br />
Nasir Aziz said, "Prime Minister of PoK Raja Farooq Haider has said that the Pakistani administration has given him a clear message that he is the last Prime Minister of PoK and after this, there will be no Prime Minister here that clearly indicates that Pakistan is trying to illegally merge PoK with the Punjab province and some parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan has a similar intention for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/protests-demanding-release-of-baba-jan-resurface-in-pakistan-267461">Gilgit- Baltistan</a> also".<br />
<br />
Since its illegal occupation, Pakistan has played politics over PoK by calling it 'Azad' or 'free'.<br />
<br />
The recent order has exposed the real face of Pakistan and its hidden agenda over Kashmir.<br />
<br />
Nasir Aziz Khan added, "Pakistan has illegally occupied these regions which are known as PoK and Gilgit- Baltistan. As per United Nations convention, Pakistan had to withdraw from these regions but Pakistan did not comply with the United Nations Council's resolutions on Jammu &amp; Kashmir. They kept on persecuting the regions and sowed the seeds of communalism in the region. They established dummy set up in the region, where there is a Prime Minister, President, there is a legislative assembly but we can't make any legislation and they (Pakistani administrators) rule them directly or indirectly".<br />
<br />
Although Pakistan never had a legal claim over the illegally occupied territories of Gilgit-Baltistan and PoK, the unscrupulous administrators from Islamabad have violated human rights by persecuting the locals through draconian laws.<br />
<br />
"The Administrators in Pakistan who persecute the general public, they make fake claims on TV channels that they liberated these regions and they announce that we should merge the illegally occupied (PoK) region with Punjab province and other parts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-protests-erupt-at-punjab-university-after-former-chairman-goes-missing-265675">Khyber Pakhtunkhwa</a> (KPK) and they are also mooting over the merger of Gilgit-Baltistan. So they want to merge both the areas with Pakistan. Pakistan never had any locus standi on regions of Jammu and Kashmir", said Nasir.<br />
<br />
He added, "They did not have any legal claim on it. Pakistan is the illegal occupier and aggressor as per UN resolutions, but the Kashmiri people who were blackmailed on the name of religion played puppets of Pakistan administration. Over one lakh people sacrificed their lives in their wrong influence. They abducted small children and a lot of children were orphaned. Hence, a criminal case could be filed against (Pakistan) under the International criminal court".<br />
<br />
Pakistan leadership might try to merge PoK with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which shared a border with PoK as well as Gilgit-Baltistan or make it a fifth province along with Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (which was till 2010 known as North Western Frontier Province).<br />
<br />
Since its occupation, Pakistan has misused the territories of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan by not only exploiting its land and resources but allowing China to foray in.<br />
<br />
The people of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan have been fighting against the forceful occupation of their territory.</p>


An activist from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) hit out at Pakistan for its aim to alter the status of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan, saying Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government has been trying to "illegally merge" the region with the Punjab province.

An activist from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) hit out at Pakistan for its aim to alter the status of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan, saying Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government has been trying to "illegally merge" the region with the Punjab province. Nasir Aziz Khan, the spokesperson of United Kashmir People's National Party, has reacted to an order dated December 11 issued by 'Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir' Services and General Administration Department (Regulations) saying the 'President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir' ordered renaming of 'Azad Jammu and Kashmir Management Group' as 'Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services' (JKAS) with immediate effect. The order was issued just a couple of days after PoK Prime Minister Farooq Haider Khan said in Muzaffarabad that he could be the last Prime Minister of PoK dropping enough hints that Pakistan could alter the status of PoK. Nasir Aziz said, "Prime Minister of PoK Raja Farooq Haider has said that the Pakistani administration has given him a clear message that he is the last Prime Minister of PoK and after this, there will be no Prime Minister here that clearly indicates that Pakistan is trying to illegally merge PoK with the Punjab province and some parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan has a similar intention for Gilgit- Baltistan also". Since its illegal occupation, Pakistan has played politics over PoK by calling it 'Azad' or 'free'. The recent order has exposed the real face of Pakistan and its hidden agenda over Kashmir. Nasir Aziz Khan added, "Pakistan has illegally occupied these regions which are known as PoK and Gilgit- Baltistan. As per United Nations convention, Pakistan had to withdraw from these regions but Pakistan did not comply with the United Nations Council's resolutions on Jammu & Kashmir. They kept on persecuting the regions and sowed the seeds of communalism in the region. They established dummy set up in the region, where there is a Prime Minister, President, there is a legislative assembly but we can't make any legislation and they (Pakistani administrators) rule them directly or indirectly". Although Pakistan never had a legal claim over the illegally occupied territories of Gilgit-Baltistan and PoK, the unscrupulous administrators from Islamabad have violated human rights by persecuting the locals through draconian laws. "The Administrators in Pakistan who persecute the general public, they make fake claims on TV channels that they liberated these regions and they announce that we should merge the illegally occupied (PoK) region with Punjab province and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and they are also mooting over the merger of Gilgit-Baltistan. So they want to merge both the areas with Pakistan. Pakistan never had any locus standi on regions of Jammu and Kashmir", said Nasir. He added, "They did not have any legal claim on it. Pakistan is the illegal occupier and aggressor as per UN resolutions, but the Kashmiri people who were blackmailed on the name of religion played puppets of Pakistan administration. Over one lakh people sacrificed their lives in their wrong influence. They abducted small children and a lot of children were orphaned. Hence, a criminal case could be filed against (Pakistan) under the International criminal court". Pakistan leadership might try to merge PoK with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which shared a border with PoK as well as Gilgit-Baltistan or make it a fifth province along with Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (which was till 2010 known as North Western Frontier Province). Since its occupation, Pakistan has misused the territories of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan by not only exploiting its land and resources but allowing China to foray in. The people of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan have been fighting against the forceful occupation of their territory.

Pak govt trying to 'illegally merge' PoK with Punjab province, says activisit

<p>The Indian Army on Sunday used artillery guns to target terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) which have been actively trying to push terrorists into Indian Territory.</p>

<p>Four launch pads in Neelam valley of PoK were targeted and fatalities have been reported, sources said.</p>

<p>This comes after an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-causes-heavy-damage-to-pak-side-after-2-soldiers-1-civilian-killed-in-ceasefire-violation-257023">unprovoked ceasefire violation</a> was started by the Pakistani side to push infiltrators into the Indian side, according to sources.</p>

<p>Two Indian soldiers and a civilian were killed in firing by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>In retaliation, the Indian Army inflicted heavy damages and casualties on the Pakistan side.</p>

<p>"Indian Forces caused heavy damages and casualty to Pakistan after two Indian soldiers and one civilian were killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar sector," an Indian Army spokesperson said.&nbsp;</p>


The Indian Army on Sunday used artillery guns to target terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) which have been actively trying to push terrorists into Indian Territory.

The Indian Army on Sunday used artillery guns to target terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) which have been actively trying to push terrorists into Indian Territory. Four launch pads in Neelam valley of PoK were targeted and fatalities have been reported, sources said. This comes after an unprovoked ceasefire violation was started by the Pakistani side to push infiltrators into the Indian side, according to sources. Two Indian soldiers and a civilian were killed in firing by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir. In retaliation, the Indian Army inflicted heavy damages and casualties on the Pakistan side. "Indian Forces caused heavy damages and casualty to Pakistan after two Indian soldiers and one civilian were killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Tangdhar sector," an Indian Army spokesperson said.

Indian Army launches artillery attack on terror camps in PoK

<p>Scores of government employees in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-report-on-situation-in-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-is-highly-dubious-researcher-232443">Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir</a> have staged protests against the discriminatory financial policies of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/support-india-or-england-pakistani-fans-give-befitting-reply-to-former-england-cricketer-nasser-hussain-231126">Pakistan</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The secretariat workers raised slogans against<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/guests-harassed-at-iftar-event-hosted-by-indian-mission-in-islamabad-223490"> Islamabad</a> and asked the government immediately to take actions to address the mounting crisis that has left their homes strapped of cash at a time when people are already enduring the blow of the inflation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have been sitting here for the last four days. Our demands have been pending for the last one year. With the suggestion of Chief Secretary, a committee was formed but nothing has been done yet. Our principal demand is that the secretary workers should also be given allowances which the police and the health officials receive. They have been deprived of it," said a protestor.</p>

<p>The protesters are demanding that they should be treated at par with the employees in other parts of the country. Their demands include general incentives and other attendance allowance which the employees of each organisation receive across Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The protesters who have also expressed their anger in the past said they are determined and won`t withdraw their demands until the justice is meted to them.</p>

<p>&nbsp;The issue pertaining to salary increment and non-payment of dues to the employees has remained chronic with most of the public sector enterprises in PoK. Over the last many years, disgruntled employees have held a stream of protests but no resolution has been reached till date.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Protesters say that they are not seeking anything unreasonable and even a small interference from higher authorities will resolve their issue. For more than seven decades, Pakistan has not just misruled the state but has used legislation as a tool to suppress the people of the region.</p>


Scores of government employees in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir have staged protests against the discriminatory financial policies of Pakistan. The secretariat workers raised slogans against Islamabad and asked the government immediately to take actions to address the mounting crisis that has left their homes strapped of cash at a time when people are already enduring the blow of the inflation.

Scores of government employees in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir have staged protests against the discriminatory financial policies of Pakistan. The secretariat workers raised slogans against Islamabad and asked the government immediately to take actions to address the mounting crisis that has left their homes strapped of cash at a time when people are already enduring the blow of the inflation. "We have been sitting here for the last four days. Our demands have been pending for the last one year. With the suggestion of Chief Secretary, a committee was formed but nothing has been done yet. Our principal demand is that the secretary workers should also be given allowances which the police and the health officials receive. They have been deprived of it," said a protestor. The protesters are demanding that they should be treated at par with the employees in other parts of the country. Their demands include general incentives and other attendance allowance which the employees of each organisation receive across Pakistan. The protesters who have also expressed their anger in the past said they are determined and won`t withdraw their demands until the justice is meted to them. The issue pertaining to salary increment and non-payment of dues to the employees has remained chronic with most of the public sector enterprises in PoK. Over the last many years, disgruntled employees have held a stream of protests but no resolution has been reached till date. Protesters say that they are not seeking anything unreasonable and even a small interference from higher authorities will resolve their issue. For more than seven decades, Pakistan has not just misruled the state but has used legislation as a tool to suppress the people of the region.

Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir government employees stage protest against its discriminatory financial policies

<p>Pakistan has altered the demography of PoK and the identity of Kashmiris on that side has been systematically eroded, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-no-extra-territorial-ambitions-says-army-chief-bipin-rawat-174949">Army Chief Bipin Rawat</a> said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>He disapproved of suggestions about sending back security forces "to barracks" whenever there is "a little bit of peace" in Kashmir, saying it will give terrorists time to revamp their networks and asserted that there was a need to maintain sustained pressure "to control the situation".</p>

<p>Rawat, who was delivering the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Lecture, also expressed concern over allowing funeral processions of terrorists, saying they glorify militants as martyrs and are "possibly encouraging more people to join the terrorist ranks".</p>

<p>Referring to PoK, Rawat said, "Pakistan has very cleverly changed the demography of so-called Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan. So, one is not very sure who is an actual Kashmiri."</p>

<p>"Is he is a Kashmiri or a Punjabi who has come in there and occupied that area. People from Gilgit-Baltistan are also now being taken over gradually. So, if there is an identity between our side of Kashmiri and the other side, then the identity thing has gradually been eroded. That is an issue we have to look at," he said.</p>

<p>The Army chief credited the locals for successful operations against militants in Kashmir, saying they were providing "hard intelligence".</p>

<p>"Things will be brought into control and are being brought under control, but sustained pressure needs to be maintained."</p>

<p>"It should not happen that little bit of peace that we see and say, Oh, it is hunky dory and it is now time to return to the barracks and let things happen. This time will be used for revamping the network of the terrorists," he said.</p>

<p>Rawat said the situation needs to be brought to a level where the terror groups are not able to revamp.</p>

<p>"You have to bring them to a level where they (terrorists) are not able to revamp, get the leadership out and make sure they have very few weapons left with them and they do not have opportunities to carry out conglomeration and get together wherever they want to," the Army chief said.</p>

<p>He also pointed out that the funeral processions that glorify terrorists as martyrs should be addressed.</p>

<p>"In a funeral procession when you make a martyr of a terrorist is what is possibly encouraging more people to join the terrorist ranks," he said.</p>

<p>"These are some of the issues which we are gradually addressing," Rawat said noting that the Army does not want to deal with a heavy hand and allow that to become a trigger for violence in the Valley.</p>

<p>Rawat stressed on the need for a greater positive engagement with the youth to motivate them to remain off the street and the "gun culture".</p>

<p>He said the Army will also take maulvis from Kashmir on 'Sadbhavna yatras' to places like Ajmer Sharif, Agra and show them that there is no persecution of any religious minorities in India.</p>


Pakistan has altered the demography of PoK and the identity of Kashmiris on that side has been systematically eroded, Army Chief Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday. He disapproved of suggestions about sending back security forces "to barracks" whenever there is "a little bit of peace" in Kashmir, saying it will give terrorists time to revamp their networks and asserted that there was a need to maintain sustained pressure "to control the situation".

Pakistan has altered the demography of PoK and the identity of Kashmiris on that side has been systematically eroded, Army Chief Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday. He disapproved of suggestions about sending back security forces "to barracks" whenever there is "a little bit of peace" in Kashmir, saying it will give terrorists time to revamp their networks and asserted that there was a need to maintain sustained pressure "to control the situation". Rawat, who was delivering the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Lecture, also expressed concern over allowing funeral processions of terrorists, saying they glorify militants as martyrs and are "possibly encouraging more people to join the terrorist ranks". Referring to PoK, Rawat said, "Pakistan has very cleverly changed the demography of so-called Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan. So, one is not very sure who is an actual Kashmiri." "Is he is a Kashmiri or a Punjabi who has come in there and occupied that area. People from Gilgit-Baltistan are also now being taken over gradually. So, if there is an identity between our side of Kashmiri and the other side, then the identity thing has gradually been eroded. That is an issue we have to look at," he said. The Army chief credited the locals for successful operations against militants in Kashmir, saying they were providing "hard intelligence". "Things will be brought into control and are being brought under control, but sustained pressure needs to be maintained." "It should not happen that little bit of peace that we see and say, Oh, it is hunky dory and it is now time to return to the barracks and let things happen. This time will be used for revamping the network of the terrorists," he said. Rawat said the situation needs to be brought to a level where the terror groups are not able to revamp. "You have to bring them to a level where they (terrorists) are not able to revamp, get the leadership out and make sure they have very few weapons left with them and they do not have opportunities to carry out conglomeration and get together wherever they want to," the Army chief said. He also pointed out that the funeral processions that glorify terrorists as martyrs should be addressed. "In a funeral procession when you make a martyr of a terrorist is what is possibly encouraging more people to join the terrorist ranks," he said. "These are some of the issues which we are gradually addressing," Rawat said noting that the Army does not want to deal with a heavy hand and allow that to become a trigger for violence in the Valley. Rawat stressed on the need for a greater positive engagement with the youth to motivate them to remain off the street and the "gun culture". He said the Army will also take maulvis from Kashmir on 'Sadbhavna yatras' to places like Ajmer Sharif, Agra and show them that there is no persecution of any religious minorities in India.

Pakistan has changed demography of PoK: Army chief General Bipin Rawat

<p>Exiled political activists from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) gathered outside the European Parliament in Brussels to protest against Pakistan-sponsored atrocities and plundering of resources in the region.</p>

<p>The activists raised slogans against Islamabad blaming it for the construction of the Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Power Project and Diamer Bhasha Dam that has not only severely affected the flora and fauna of the region, but have left the common people reeling under abject poverty.</p>

<p>"We are here in Brussels in front of the European Parliament demonstrating against the plundering of the natural resources of Kashmiri people (in Pakistan). We are here to protest against the state brutality and for the people who are suffering because of the policies of the Pakistani government. We are actually protesting against their policies, their nefarious designs," said Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP).</p>

<p>Another UKPNP activist, named Jamil Maqsood, said, "The fundamental purpose of this demonstration was to highlight the human rights violations in the Pakistan administered Kashmir and occupied Gilgit-Baltistan because Pakistan is constructing Neelum Jhelum hydropower project and Diamer Bhasha dam in Gilgit Baltistan and in both these areas, people have been asked to leave their properties and leave their land without paying them any alternative land and without paying them any compensation".</p>

<p>He added, "In Muzaffarabad, they (Pakistani government) have diverted Neelum river which is at the brink of extinction. It is completely destroyed and approximately hundreds of thousands of people in Neelum, Muzaffarabad and other lower riparian areas are deprived of the basic necessity of water."</p>

<p>Activists from Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Mohajirs also joined the protest to raise the issue of human rights violations as Islamabad has employed similar repressive patterns in their provinces.</p>

<p>Pakistan has been according to a second-class citizen treatment to the people of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh. This diabolic pattern of suppressing its own people has witnessed a significant escalation since the advent of the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Exiled political activists from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) gathered outside the European Parliament in Brussels to protest against Pakistan-sponsored atrocities and plundering of resources in the region.

Exiled political activists from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) gathered outside the European Parliament in Brussels to protest against Pakistan-sponsored atrocities and plundering of resources in the region. The activists raised slogans against Islamabad blaming it for the construction of the Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Power Project and Diamer Bhasha Dam that has not only severely affected the flora and fauna of the region, but have left the common people reeling under abject poverty. "We are here in Brussels in front of the European Parliament demonstrating against the plundering of the natural resources of Kashmiri people (in Pakistan). We are here to protest against the state brutality and for the people who are suffering because of the policies of the Pakistani government. We are actually protesting against their policies, their nefarious designs," said Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP). Another UKPNP activist, named Jamil Maqsood, said, "The fundamental purpose of this demonstration was to highlight the human rights violations in the Pakistan administered Kashmir and occupied Gilgit-Baltistan because Pakistan is constructing Neelum Jhelum hydropower project and Diamer Bhasha dam in Gilgit Baltistan and in both these areas, people have been asked to leave their properties and leave their land without paying them any alternative land and without paying them any compensation". He added, "In Muzaffarabad, they (Pakistani government) have diverted Neelum river which is at the brink of extinction. It is completely destroyed and approximately hundreds of thousands of people in Neelum, Muzaffarabad and other lower riparian areas are deprived of the basic necessity of water." Activists from Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Mohajirs also joined the protest to raise the issue of human rights violations as Islamabad has employed similar repressive patterns in their provinces. Pakistan has been according to a second-class citizen treatment to the people of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh. This diabolic pattern of suppressing its own people has witnessed a significant escalation since the advent of the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

PoK activists hold anti-Pak protest outside European Parliament

<p>Displaced people from restive Pakistan-cccupied&nbsp;Kashmir (PoK) met Home Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence on Sunday.</p>

<p>Their meeting was initiated for liberating the Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Displaced people from Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir met Home Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence in Delhi, urged for liberation of POJK from Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/MyDA3OuKxN">pic.twitter.com/MyDA3OuKxN</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944923063132463104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The people of PoK have time and again held protests against the Pakistan government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On October 22, people from the PoK held anti-Pakistan protests across the region to mark 70 years of Pakistan occupation of the region which they called &quot;Black Day&quot;.</p>

<p>The people&nbsp;frequently protest against the enforced taxation and&nbsp;exploitation&nbsp;by the&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The locals had also held protests&nbsp;against the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) citing that the inhabitants along&nbsp;the route have not been consulted in the construction of the corridor. Neither have they received any compensation for the exploitation of their land.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/members-of-baloch-and-sindhi-community-protest-against-pakistan-in-london-26418" target="_blank">similar protests were staged in London by members of Baloch and Sindhi community</a>.</p>

<p>Pakistan has been witnessing<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_top">&nbsp;several protests from&nbsp;minorities</a>&nbsp;who revolt against the suppression of the Pakistan government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The people of PoK have time and again held protests against the Pakistan government

Displaced people from restive Pakistan-cccupied Kashmir (PoK) met Home Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence on Sunday. Their meeting was initiated for liberating the Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan. Displaced people from Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir met Home Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence in Delhi, urged for liberation of POJK from Pakistan pic.twitter.com/MyDA3OuKxN — ANI (@ANI) December 24, 2017 × The people of PoK have time and again held protests against the Pakistan government. On October 22, people from the PoK held anti-Pakistan protests across the region to mark 70 years of Pakistan occupation of the region which they called "Black Day". The people frequently protest against the enforced taxation and exploitation by the Pakistan government. The locals had also held protests against the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) citing that the inhabitants along the route have not been consulted in the construction of the corridor. Neither have they received any compensation for the exploitation of their land. Recently, similar protests were staged in London by members of Baloch and Sindhi community. Pakistan has been witnessing several protests from minorities who revolt against the suppression of the Pakistan government.

Displaced people from PoK meet Rajnath Singh, request for PoK liberation