Protests erupt in PoK’s Muzaffarabad against construction of dams by China, Pakistan

Aug 25, 2020

Muzaffarabad (PoK), Aug 25 (ANI): Massive protests and a torch rally were held in Muzaffarabad city of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on August 24 night to oppose the mega dams to be constructed by Chinese firms on Neelum-Jhelum River. The protesters hailing from ''Darya Bachao, Muzaffarabad Bachao” (Save River, Save Muzaffarabad) Committee'' chanted slogans like "Neelum-Jhelum behne do, humein zinda rehne do" (let the Neelum and Jhelum rivers flow, let us live). The rally was attended by over a thousand people from the city and other parts of PoK. Recently, Pakistan and China signed agreements to construct Azad Pattan and Kohala Hydropower Projects in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. What really irks locals is high Chinese presence in the area, massive construction of dams, and river diversions threatening their very existence. Pakistan and China are jointly plundering the natural resources of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan in the wake of China Pakistan Economic Corridor. The resentment in the occupied territories are high against Pakistan and China.