Crisis deepens amid protests in PoK, people facing shortage of ration, medicine and fuel

Islamabad. The troubles of common people are increasing continuously amid the ongoing anti-government movement in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to local media reports and claims by opposition leaders, supplies of food, ration, fuel and essential medicines have been severely affected in the region, leading to a humanitarian crisis in many areas.

According to reports, shortage of essential commodities is being felt in many areas including Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Rawalakot, Bagh and Neelam Valley. Local people and truck drivers allege that vehicles carrying essential goods are being stopped at various checkpoints. Although Pakistani officials have denied any official blockade, several media reports have suggested supply disruptions in the region.

Vehicles loaded with goods being stopped at border posts

According to local media, when people tried to buy ration and medicines themselves from neighboring areas, they were also stopped at many places. There are reports of movement of commercial trucks and private vehicles being affected in Azad Pattan and Phagwari areas. Due to this, a large number of vehicles are parked for a long time and perishable items are getting damaged.

Local people expressed their problems

According to a report, a local resident named Naveed claimed that his vehicle was stopped while returning with ration and medicines purchased from Rawalpindi. He says that despite the difficult circumstances in the family, he was not allowed to take the goods.

Alif Deen, a resident of Neelam Valley, said that flour has not been available from the government depot for the last several days. He says that despite continuous efforts, ration is not available, while the prices have increased significantly in the open market.

There is also a crisis of medicines and fuel.

64-year-old Mohammad Makin of Muzaffarabad said that he is not able to get the medicines required for treatment. According to reports, many medical stores and pharmacies have been closed for the last two weeks. It is also said that the supply at many petrol pumps in Poonch and Muzaffarabad is being affected, due to which people are having to buy fuel at expensive prices.

Serious allegations against the government

Local newspapers and media reports claim that a strategy has been adopted to limit the supply of logistics and essential commodities reaching the protesters to end the ongoing protest in Rawalakot. However, administrative officials have rejected these allegations.

Why is the movement happening?

The main reason for the controversy is said to be the questions raised regarding the 12 seats reserved for the refugees of Jammu and Kashmir in the PoK Assembly. The agitating groups allege that these seats are used to influence local politics and the electoral process. Widespread protests are going on under the leadership of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) regarding this issue.

According to reports, at least 58 people have died so far in the clashes during the protests. Information about impact on internet services has also come to light.

Increasing participation in the movement

Despite the protests, the movement seems to be going from strength to strength. It has been claimed that more than 70 thousand people have participated in the ongoing protest at Eidgah ground in Rawalakot during the last two weeks. JAAC leaders have warned that if their demands are not considered, a massive rally of one lakh people will be taken out from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad.

On the other hand, the PoK unit of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has also criticized this entire incident and accused the government of depriving the people of basic facilities.