Pakistan deploys 8,000 more Rangers, heavy weapons in POK amid growing unrest

Pakistan has deployed an additional 8,000 Rangers from Punjab province to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) amid escalating unrest in the region, intelligence sources told India Today. Heavy weaponry has also been moved into Rawalakot and other sensitive locations along the Line of Control (LoC), the sources said.

The reinforcement comes as protests over rising inflation, poor governance, lack of basic services and alleged human rights violations continue to intensify across POK. The latest troop build-up is being viewed as an attempt by Islamabad to contain growing public anger and maintain control over the restive territory. According to intelligence inputs, the security deployment has been significantly strengthened in areas that have witnessed repeated demonstrations and clashes between protesters and security forces in recent weeks.

The latest wave of unrest was initially sparked by opposition to the reservation of 12 seats in the POK Assembly for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir residing elsewhere in Pakistan. Protesters have argued that the move dilutes the political representation and voice of local residents. The agitation subsequently evolved into a broader anti-government movement, with demonstrators raising concerns over corruption, administrative neglect, soaring inflation, unemployment and deteriorating economic conditions.

Large protests have been reported from Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Mirpur and several other parts of the region. According to Reuters, the territory has witnessed some of its deadliest unrest in years, with at least 24 people killed during nearly two weeks of protests that brought normal life to a standstill across several areas.

CRACKDOWN, INTERNET CURBS AND ARRESTS

Authorities have responded by deploying additional security personnel, imposing restrictions, suspending internet services in some areas and launching a crackdown on protest leaders.

The Joint Awami Action Committee, which has played a key role in mobilising demonstrations, was banned by authorities, while several of its members were detained. Sedition charges were also filed against some protest leaders.

The latest deployment of Rangers and heavy weapons comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over Islamabad's handling of the situation, with reports of clashes, injuries and fatalities adding to tensions in the region.

INDIA BLAMES PAKISTAN'S 'SYSTEMIC EXPLOITATION'

Reacting to the ongoing unrest earlier this week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the protests were a direct consequence of Pakistan's decades-long "systemic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights and administrative oppression" in areas under its control.

"The ongoing protests in POK are a direct consequence of Pakistan's decades-long systemic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing.

He accused Pakistan of responding to legitimate public grievances with excessive force, alleging that authorities had resorted to police brutality, internet blackouts and restrictions on essential supplies.

"Rather than addressing the legitimate grievances of the local populace, the Pakistani state has responded with extreme police brutality, including against helpless women and children, blocking essential supplies, including food and medicine, enforcing internet blackouts, and deploying lethal force against unarmed civilians that has resulted in tragic fatalities," Jaiswal said.

The MEA also urged the international community to take note of the developments and hold Pakistan accountable for what it described as serious human rights violations in POK.

TROOP BUILD-UP SIGNALS GROWING CONCERN

The fresh deployment comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with multiple internal security challenges, ranging from the insurgency in Balochistan to persistent militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and mounting unrest in POK.

Intelligence sources said the movement of thousands of additional Rangers and heavy weaponry reflects growing concern within the Pakistani establishment over the deteriorating security situation and the possibility of further escalation in the region.

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