Protests Erupt in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir Over Anti-People Policies

In the midst of ongoing tensions, protests have erupted in Srinagar and Baramulla districts of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, denouncing what demonstrators perceive as anti-people policies by the authorities.

In Srinagar, retired employees of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) converged at the Tourist Reception Centre to voice their grievances over the protracted delay in receiving their retirement dues. Many of these retirees, hailing from remote areas, emphasized the urgent need for financial assistance, particularly in light of their precarious health conditions. The non-payment of dues has left them grappling with acute illnesses, exacerbating their plight as they struggle to afford adequate medical treatment.

Simultaneously, in Baramulla district, parents of students enrolled in various private schools staged a demonstration in Sopore town, decrying the authorities’ decision to introduce outdated textbooks in both government and private schools throughout Kashmir. The protesters argue that the textbooks prescribed by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) have not been updated for years, likening them to expired medicines that pose a threat to the educational development of students.

The protesters in Sopore town lamented the obsolete content of the JKBOSE textbooks, asserting that their continued use would impede the holistic growth of students. They contend that such outdated materials fail to align with contemporary educational standards and could hinder students’ ability to compete in an ever-evolving global landscape.

The grievances voiced in these protests underscore the broader discontentment among various segments of society regarding the administration’s policies in Indian-occupied Kashmir. From the economic hardships faced by retired workers to concerns over the quality of education provided to the younger generation, these protests reflect a deep-seated frustration with governance that is perceived as neglectful and unresponsive to the needs of the people.

As tensions persist in the region, it is imperative for authorities to heed the grievances expressed by the populace and take concrete steps to address their concerns. Ensuring timely disbursement of retirement benefits to deserving individuals and revising educational curricula to reflect contemporary knowledge are critical measures that can help alleviate the grievances fueling unrest in the region.

In the absence of meaningful dialogue and responsive governance, the discontentment festering among the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is likely to continue unabated, posing a significant challenge to efforts aimed at fostering stability and prosperity in the region.