Pakistan’s Kashmiris Fight for Self-Governance
Kashmiris have been fighting for self-governance, even as Islamabad seeks to tighten control over them to control their future destiny. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee has been waging a struggle for the local people since 2023. The protests turned deadly on June 9, as 11 people were killed and 70 injured in clashes with the action committee. The primary bone of contention is the government’s introduction of 12 seats for Kashmiris living in different parts of Pakistan. That appears to be a move by Islamabad to tighten their grip on Kashmir’s future destiny. It also appears to be a response to India’s abolition of Art 370 in 2019, which annexed Indian administered Kashmir and made it part of India. Kashmir is claimed in full by both India and Pakistan.
