Women health workers in PoK protest over non-payment of wages

Muzaffarabad[Pakistan],October27(ANI):Women health workers in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir held a protest over non-payment of their emoluments of several months.

They raised `Pakistan Murdabad' slogans to show their resentment and anger against the authorities and demanded immediate payment of their salaries.

Some protesters even shouted `Hindustan Zindabad' slogans, saying that the authorities in the illegally-occupied region are exploiting them by denying their dues.

Despite being threatened by the police to disperse, the protesters demonstrated for seven hours demanding their rights.

Tall promises have been made by the Pakistani establishment to bring development in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, but corrupt administrative system has made it one of the most backward regions under its rule.

A part of India's erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has been under Pakistan's illegal rule for almost seven decades now.

The protesters marked October 24 as 'Black Day' as they continue to remain victims of Islamabad's discriminatory policies.

Kashmiri leaders have strongly condemned the Pakistan government for denying equal rights to the people of PoK. Nasir Aziz Khan of United Kashmir People's National Party said, "Pakistan is misleading and befooling Kashmiris that you have your own government, you are free people, but the reality is we are under Pakistan's subjugation and we don't have any rights".

He added, "There is no development, no basic facilities. See the condition of roads and schools".

Dr. Misfer Hassan, President of Jammu Kashmir Liberation League said, "Civil Rights are not protected in PoK. People are crying for help. They don't get funds. Education system is in pieces, health care system is in pieces. I mean all the basic amenities people are struggling to get any of their rights".

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, also known as `Azad Kashmir' has a Prime Minister and a President, but is ruled from Islamabad. The Prime Minister of Pakistan is the chairman and chief executive of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council that manages all affairs related to PoK.(ANI)