Protests erupt in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in opposition to highway by China

Massive protests and violence erupted in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Friday over the Chinese transfer to construct a 33-kilometre highway.
According to the stories, the residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have launched large protests in opposition to the Imran Khan-led Pakistan authorities for permitting the People Liberation Army (PLA) to construct a highway within the occupied Indian territory. A normal strike has been happening since January 13, and Friday’s strike is a continuation of the protest in opposition to the Chinese presence within the area.
Amjad Ayub Mirza, an exiled activist from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), stated that China is constructing a 33-kilometer highway from Yarkand to PoK to maneuver its artillery and navy personnel within the area. The activist stated that that is the second time within the month such protests are going down within the PoK area. He stated that the protests this time are widespread, final time the strike was restricted to the Poonch division however now it has gone uncontrolled.
“China is now building a road from Yarkand of 33 km wide enough to bring its artillery, military and personnel. Things are gearing up in a precarious way, but PoJK people have risen up to the occasion. There will be more protests in PoK, and I think Pakistan has lost in PoJK totally,” stated Mirza within the interview to the media.
“The whole of PoJK was under general strike on January 13th and the focal point became Azad Pattan Bridge, which is the entry point between Pakistan and PoJK, that was blocked. Police opened fire, tear gas, and lathi-charged and there were clashes after which police had to retreat back to Pakistan,” stated Mirza.
Protests are intense this time, says activist
Activist Mirza stated that this time protests are large factor as police check-post was set alight and protests are spreading like a wildfire throughout 750 miles Line of Control (LoC). People are fed up with meals shortages, there isn’t any flour, no electrical energy, no clear consuming water, and large cities are stuffed with filth as a result of the system has collapsed, added Mirza.
The protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir began after the Imran Khan-led authorities arbitrarily introduced the occupied territory because the fifth province of Pakistan.
“Now what is happening that not a single day passes without a protest, sometimes more than one protest in different parts of PoJK. Every single day people are protesting in Gilgit Baltistan, PoJK, and Pakistani media does not report it. International media is not allowed in those areas,” knowledgeable Mirza.
Mirza lamented the truth that the elected authorities of PoK is sitting in Islamabad and merry-making whereas the general public within the area is holding a campaign in opposition to Chinese incursions within the space.
“The whole of PoJK government elected after November 15th is sitting in Islamabad, enjoying buffets and parties, having a fun time because it’s very cold in Gilgit. The government of Farooq Haider is called ‘miscreants’ by its people. PoJK has gone out of the hands of Pakistan, it has lost it. There is no sentiment for Pakistan in PoJK,” he stated.