In PoK, Demand For ‘Freedom From Pakistan’, Case Filed Against JKLF Leaders

A chargesheet has been filed in the local court of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) against political parties and activists for allegedly spreading “hatred against the state and the Pakistan Army”, following a demand for freedom from Pakistan. As per the charge sheet, as reported by Asian Age, the slogans raised by the protesters included, “Foreign tormentors, leave our Kashmir”, “Pakistan Army, leave our Kashmir”, “Indian Army, leave our Kashmir” and “We want freedom.”

In Kashmir, the separatist leaders are seeing this move by the PoK administrators as something that will leave “negative impact on the struggle” in Kashmir.

The slogans were raised at the 11th annual convention of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF). As per reports, the case has been filed against 19 leaders and activists of JKLF and its students wing, for raising slogans in favour of Azad (free) Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

Speaking to Asian Age, a separatist party leader said, “The reports about the harassment of our leaders and workers on the other side of the ceasefire line have caused disappointment among the people in Jammu and Kashmir. The authorities in Muzaffarabad and Islamabad must realise it.” As per reports, the police said that the speakers at the convention demanded the abolishment of Karachi agreement. The Karachi agreement was signed on April 28, 1949, as per which, the division of the powers and roles between Pakistan and PoK was defined.

This is not the first time; massive anti-Pakistan protests had also erupted last year, in Muzaffarabad city and other parts of PoK. The protesters had also opposed the Pakistan government for the construction of dams in PoK. Speaking to ANI, a protester had said, “Pakistan has been dubbed the region as Free Kashmir, but continues to exploit its resources by building mega-dams and hydropower projects on rivers like Neelum and Jhelum.”

As per reports, for these projects, Pakistan has been “displacing” locals. “The locals are being forced to leave their homes, their lands. Pakistan is bypassing environmental requirements, and all other pre-requisites they are obliged to commit to. For this reason, the people of Kashmir are angry, and are protesting on the streets,” said Jamil Maqsood, former central secretary, United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP).