"....no doubt someone in PoK comparing their situation with people living in Jammu and Kashmir " -- says Dr Jaishankar

On May 8th, 2024, External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Dr S Jaishankar asserted that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is a part of India and said that every Indian political party was committed ....

to ensuring that PoK returns to India. 

Now reacting to the ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, he said the protests there highlighted the "difference" the people living there must be feeling in comparison to those living in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking at an event in Kolkata, Dr Jaishankar said, "Today, there are certain ferments happening in PoK. The analysis of it is very complex but definitely I have no doubt in my own mind that someone living in POK is comparing their situation with someone living in Jammu and Kashmir and seeing how people there are progressing nowadays. 

They know the sense of being under occupation or being discriminated or treated badly."   

The PoK region has been simmering after protests broke out over rising costs of food, fuel, and utilities.

Several videos on social media show local clashing with the police and forces. Some videos also show 'Azadi' (freedom) slogans being raised by a group of protesters against Pakistan.

On May 12, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the release of Rs 23 billion for POK for power and wheat subsidies to placate the protesters. However, the protests continue in the region.  

MUZAFFARABAD: Rangers personnel take positions on the Western Bypass shortly before the clashes with protesters, on Monday.— Dawn

The Pakistani newspaper 'Dawn' reports:

MUZAFFARABAD: A government decision to dole out a Rs23 billion subsidy to placate violent protests in Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) failed to pacify the region after three people were shot dead and six sustained injuries due to firing and teargas shelling by the paramilitary Rangers in Muzaffarabad on Monday.

Shortly before the violence, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and AJK PM Anwarul Haq after a meeting approved the release of Rs23 billion for AJK on account of power and wheat subsidies.

The subsidised rate for 40kg flour will be Rs2,000, down from Rs3,100. The electricity tariff was reduced to Rs3, Rs5 and Rs6 per unit for up to 100, 300, and more than 300 units, respectively. The AJK government also issued notifications to this effect for the satisfaction of protesters.

Speaking to a gathering in an open space along Eidgah in the evening, Shaukat Nawaz Mir, one of the key JAAC leaders, said their legal team would “legally examine” the notifications issued by the government.

“If these notifications do not fulfil legal requirements in accordance with our charter of demand, we, the joint action committee members will unanimously decide our next course of action tonight,” he said.

He alleged that the AJK government had previously extended them a “non-serious and irresponsible” attitude which was why they could hardly believe its actions.