AZAD Kashmir is again witnessing violent protests — the second time within a year — led by the Joint Action Committee, which comprises individuals from different political backgrounds and sections of society. The unrest in this sensitive region had been building up for some time, and had been initially driven by local socioeconomic demands. However, it has now evolved into a broa­der movement, primarily involving youth disillusioned with the current system of governance.

Unfortunately, the state’s aggressive response has exacerbated matters. Instead of addressing the protesters’ grievances and attempting a political solution, the government chose to crack down, further fuelling public anger. Blacking out the news on mainstream media will not stop information about the events from spreading on social media. As is its wont, the government has attributed the protests to a foreign conspiracy — which is a narrow view of the situation. Threatening statements from government officials will not help defuse the situation.

Three years ago, the people took to the streets to protest against the shortage of flour and high electricity tariffs. The situation was defused when the administration accepted the people’s demands, but other issues continued to simmer. Discontent rose with growing unemployment among the youth, and political manipulation was alleged. The demand for abolishing reserved seats in the AJK assembly reflected the frustration of a large segment of the local people who perceived the government being run from outside.

Last year’s........

© Dawn