Massive protests have erupted in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, where people are angry over soaring electricity bills and flour prices, and the region has long suffered economic losses as a conflict zone.
Prime Minister Sherbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, on Monday in an effort to quell growing unrest that led to widespread strikes that left one police officer dead and 90 injured.
As protesters planned to travel to the regional capital Muzaffarabad this week, authorities suspended internet services in many areas and closed schools in the city.
“I have never seen such a massive uprising in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir,” said Mubashar Naqvi, a resident of Muzaffarabad and a teacher at Azad Jammu and Kashmir University. “This protest is unique because it unites people from all walks of life to demand basic necessities.”
Kashmir, a Himalayan region, is picturesque but highly militarized. The region, claimed by both Pakistan and India since independence from Britain in 1947, has been the scene of three wars between the estranged neighbors.
The ongoing unrest poses a challenge to Pakistan’s military, which maintains a heavy presence in the region, and to Islamabad’s civilian leadership. Pakistan considers Kashmir a disputed territory whose status should be settled through a U.N.-mandated referendum that would allow Kashmiris to choose whether to be part of Pakistan or India.
But the Pakistani government has faced criticism for suppressing local movements seeking full independence. Although no one is calling for independence amid the current wave of unrest, residents say the protests reflect widespread discontent.
“There is a strong sense of anger and frustration among Kashmiri youth due to political disillusionment, high inflation and severe unemployment,” Mr Naqvi said.
The unrest began on Friday when a militant group, mostly composed of businessmen, launched a strike in Muzaffarabad that soon led to violent clashes with law enforcement officials. The detention of Kashmiri activists in overnight raids has intensified calls for a strike.
Kashmiri authorities have urged protesters not to resort to violence. Local Government Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said plans to send in paramilitary forces had been withdrawn as negotiations with protesters continued.
But the real solution, he said, lies with Pakistani state officials. “The huge needs of the people, the need for cheap power and the need to end blackouts, all fall under the purview of the Government of Pakistan,” Mr Rathore said.
The region relies heavily on government jobs and receives little private investment because of its status.
The streets of Muzaffarabad were quiet on Sunday as protests entered their third day. Security forces wearing black turbans were a visible presence at checkpoints. Residents watched from behind closed windows as their daily routines were disrupted and their supplies dwindled.
To ease the difficulties, protest organizers said essential stores could stay open for three hours a night. Ayesha Bibi, 34, a resident of Muzaffarabad, expressed her anguish over the needs of her young children.
“She hasn’t had milk for two days,” Ms. Beebe said. “We can endure hunger, but being deprived of basic services like affordable electricity and wheat flour is unbearable.”
Another resident, 68-year-old Siddique Haidari, lamented the widespread damage caused by the clashes. “Every home here has been damaged,” he said.
Jalaluddin Mughal Contributed reporting.
