Protests intensify in PoK as demonstrators defy overnight security crackdown

New Delhi: Tensions continued to escalate in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after protesters reportedly refused to disperse despite an overnight security crackdown, with reports of gunfire in Rawalakot adding to fears of further violence.

According to official sources, security forces launched a midnight operation against demonstrators, while intelligence inputs claimed that firing was reported as women and children continued to participate in the protest. Many women and children have reportedly remained at the protest site for nearly 50 days, with more joining the agitation on Sunday.

Officials alleged that instead of addressing the protesters' demands, Pakistan has increased the deployment of security personnel across protest locations. They claimed that more than 40 people have been killed since the unrest began.

One official expressed concern that security forces could resort to harsher measures to intimidate protesters, warning that any action targeting women and children could trigger a major humanitarian crisis.

The protests initially began over demands for improved civic amenities and development but gained momentum after the start of the election process in PoK.

Protesters have alleged that the elections were heavily rigged, a claim they say has also widened differences within Pakistan's ruling coalition. According to them, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of working with the Pakistan Army to manipulate the electoral process.

Opposition leaders and protesters have also alleged that Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is attempting to tighten military control over PoK by backing a leadership aligned with the establishment.

The protesters have announced plans to march to Muzaffarabad to oppose what they describe as a manipulated election and to highlight alleged interference by Pakistan in the region's administration.

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Officials said demonstrators remain determined despite repeated crackdowns, noting that while previous protests were suppressed through force or political assurances, the current movement appears more resilient.

Security deployment across the region has reportedly been intensified, with officials claiming that forces have been instructed to carry out intermittent firing near protest sites to discourage gatherings.

Experts believe the unrest is unlikely to subside even after the completion of the electoral process. They say the incoming government may struggle to function amid growing public anger over alleged electoral irregularities and demands for accountability.

Officials also noted that the protests are no longer limited to Rawalakot, with demonstrations spreading to other parts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, making it increasingly difficult for security forces to contain the movement.

With inputs from IANS