POK Protest 3 Civilians Shot:
At least 3 civilians died and many injured when the Pakistani Rangers, a paramilitary group work under the Pakistan Army, fired at people protesting against high prices in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Monday. This happened on the same day Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the instant release of PKR 23 billion for the region after an urgent meeting in Islamabad due to increasing clashes. According to Pakistan’s Friday Times, the recent tensions started from a movement that began a year ago to protest against increasing electricity bills and flour Rates.
The peaceful protest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) turned into violence on Friday when local police and federal forces, like the Frontier and Punjab constabularies sent by Islamabad to protect Chinese workers and projects in the region, cracked down on the protesters. On Saturday, there were violent clashes between the police and civilians in Pok during a strike that close the area. One police officer was killed, and over 90 people were injured in the clashes, as reported.
Videos going viral on social media
Videos on social media showed that civilians chasing and attacking police officers on Saturday. This happened after a day of heavy police action against protesters, which included the use of batons, tear gas, and road blockades. The rangers were called for control the situation in the region and were expected to leave after the PM announcement. Dawn reported that instead of going through Brarkot, they left via Kohala. As they reached Muzaffarabad, they faced stone throwing near Shorran da Nakka village. In reply, they used tear gas and fired some shots.
Viral videos showed three ranger vehicles burning on the Muzaffarabad-Brarkot Road. An Agent for the Pok government, Abdul Majid Khan, told Arab News, even though notifications were issued to lower electricity and wheat prices, and other demands were addressed, protesters attacked a Rangers convoy. This led to gunfire, Causing the deaths of three civilians and many injuries on both sides.”
What Reports Say about electricity and wheat prices
According to reports, the new electricity prices are set at Rs3 per unit for using 1 to 100 units, Rs5 per unit for 100 to 300 units, and Rs6 per unit for over 300 units. For businesses, the rates are Rs10 per unit for up to 300 units and Rs15 per unit for more than that. Also, the price of flour bags has been greatly reduced. A 20 kg bag now costs Rs1000 instead of Rs1550, and a 40 kg bag costs Rs2000 instead of Rs3100.
Traders in Jammu Kashmir, under the banner of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), have been protesting. They are asking for electricity, cheaper wheat, and end the advantages for the elites. Police arrested about 70 activists on May 9 and 10 to stop a planned march by the JAAC. This caused big fights in Dadyal and started a big strike, closing shops and businesses.