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“If people say that this movement is confined to just one place, I want to tell them, this movement has reached every household,” he said.
The fresh call to action follows months of compounding friction between local civil society groups and security forces in the region. File image/Reuters
The movement in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has spread beyond the region, with protests reported across more than 60 countries, according to Khawaja Mehran.
Addressing supporters, Mehran said the movement was no longer confined to areas such as Rawalakot or Sudhanoti and had reached communities across the world.
“Across at least 60 countries right now, protests have been staged,” Mehran said. He claimed that more than 15 protests had been held in England and Birmingham alone over the past three months, while protesters had also staged sit-ins outside consulates for more than six months.
The PoK movement is driven by demands for better governance, economic relief, basic rights, employment, affordable electricity, access to education, and greater accountability from authorities. The movement has seen demonstrations and strikes in different parts of the region, with activists and local groups accusing the administration of neglect and heavy-handed responses to dissent.
“If people say that this movement is confined to just one place, I want to tell them, this movement has reached every household,” he said.
Mehran also warned of an escalation if peaceful protesters continued to face the use of force. He alleged that demands for basic rights—including education, employment, justice, merit-based jobs, cheaper electricity and greater control over dams and resources—were being met with bullets.
“Fire as many bullets as you want; our chests are ready,” Mehran said, warning that continued violence could push protesters towards a stronger reaction.
He said they remained committed to a peaceful movement but warned that the loss of lives and families could make a reaction inevitable.
“We will not surrender; we will not compromise. There is no room for fear here,” Mehran said, calling for Kashmiris to unite behind the movement.
He further said that if protesters were forced to rise, a massive gathering at D-Chowk would send a message to the world that the movement was peaceful, while also warning that continued violence could lead to a wider mobilisation.
“Therefore, we must fight united, and very soon, victory will be ours,” Mehran said.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The core demands of the PoK movement include better governance, economic relief, basic rights, employment, affordable electricity, and access to education. Protesters are also demanding political representation, constitutional rights, greater accountability from authorities, and the removal of security blockades that disrupt access to schools and hospitals. Additionally, the movement has sought the withdrawal of Pakistani security forces and equal rights similar to Pakistan’s four provinces.
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Group Editor, Investigations and Security Affairs, Network18
September 02, 2026, 19:00 IST
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