New Delhi
On Pakistan’s Independence Day, tension is high in Muzzafarabad and other parts of the occupied Jammu and Kashmir as the authorities have suspended telephone and internet services and launched a crackdown to apprehend those behind an attack on the venue of celebration and pro-freedom protests Saturday night.
The venue of the I-Day celebration was attacked by an angry mob late Saturday night. The protesters also held a demonstration denouncing Pakistan and seeking freedom for the occupied territories.
According to posts on social media, at least at two places a big mob was seen chanting pro-freedom slogans and some were even seen waving the Indian tricolor. Those shooting the scene have taken care not to expose the faces of the protesters.
Prof Sajjad Raja, Chairman, National Eqality prty for Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh and Gilgit Baltistan, (NEP for JKLGB) who lives in exile in London, says there is anger in POK on the occasion of Pakistan’s independence day.
He posted a video on Twitter and said Muzaffarabad people denounce August 14 by chanting slogans for independence from Pakistan. He claimed the Pakistan authorities have launched a brutal crackdown on protestors and shut down internet and telephone service in the area after the venue of Independence Day was attacked by a group of locals.
He wrote:
Ppl in #Muzaffarabad #POJK denounce the 14th August by chanting slogans for independence from #Pakistan. There are reports of clashes & firing between the protesters & #Police. Authorities have called Army on streets to control the protests. We demand #PakistanArmy to quit POJK. pic.twitter.com/vo8H7PGMeU
— Prof. Sajjad Raja (@NEP_JKGBL) August 13, 20
It may be recalled that Pakistan had waged its first hybrid war in Kashmir in October 1947 by sending a lashkar of tribesmen from NWFP into Kashmir when the state was under Maharaja Hari Singh. The Monarch was yet undecided on which domain – India or Pakistan – should his State be part of.
Another video of actual attack on the venue of ID celebrations and clashed between security forces and youth was also posted on social media:
13 - 14 Aug Night. Clashes between protesters & #Police in #Muzaffarabad. Protesters attack the venue of 14 August celebration & clash with authorities. Ppl show their hatred towards #Pakistan & it’s Independence Day. Authorities have shut down internet & arrests are being made. pic.twitter.com/KWAQjtqxWk
— Prof. Sajjad Raja (@NEP_JKGBL) August 13, 2022
The tribal army reached Baramulla and was advancing to Srinagar when the Maharaja called for Indian Army’s help and signed the instrument of accession. As India approached the United Nations security Council against Pakistan’s aggression,
Also Read: Sherwani, Lion of Baramulla, who saved Kashmir
The move resulted in a ceasefire between tehe two south asian neighbours that in turn became the line of control. The area with Pakistan captured by its army before the Indian army routed it became POK.