Controversy erupted after the death of 14 activists in PoK, Khwaja Asif said – protesters are also enemies like India

New Delhi: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has given such a statement regarding the ongoing protests in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), which has created a new controversy. He said that he considers the people protesting against the Islamabad government as enemies of Pakistan like India.

Not only this, he also ruled out the possibility of any kind of talks with the protesters. His statement has come at a time when questions are being raised continuously regarding the action of security forces in PoK.

Claim of death of 14 activists in firing

According to local organizations, thousands of people were carrying out a peaceful march from Rawalakot towards Muzaffarabad under the leadership of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The protesters were demanding abolition of 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees in the PoK Assembly. They allege that due to these seats the political rights of the local people are being weakened.

The protesters claim that during the march the security forces suddenly opened fire, killing at least 14 activists and injuring more than two dozen people. Usman Nazir, younger brother of JAAC founding member Omar Nazir, is also said to be among the dead.

Pakistani government rejected the allegations

On the other hand, the Pakistan government has not accepted the allegations of the protesters. Officials say that the protesters had modern weapons and attacked the security forces first. After this retaliatory action was taken. However, the claims of both sides have not been independently verified yet.

Protests have been going on for several weeks

Protests have been going on in PoK for the last several weeks. According to various reports, more than 80 people have lost their lives in the agitation that began on June 5 and the violence that followed. After the recent incidents, tension in the area has increased further.

India raised questions on the election process

Meanwhile, Pakistan has taken forward the process of so-called assembly elections in PoK. There have been reports of violence and alleged election irregularities at many places. India has described these elections as an attempt to legitimize illegal occupation.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas occupied by Pakistan, is an integral part of India. He also said that the protests taking place in PoK are the result of economic exploitation of the people there, violation of rights and administrative repression.