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A crippling strike and protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s (PoK) capital Muzaffarabad turned violent on Friday as demonstrators clashed with security forces. The strike, called by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), was sparked by a police crackdown on its members and activists. Protesters pelted stones at police, who responded with teargas shelling. Businesses remained closed, and normal life was disrupted in several districts. The JKJAAC has been protesting against high electricity bills, demanding that electricity be provided at the production cost of hydropower in the state.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has asserted that India will never relinquish its claim on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) but will not resort to coercion to regain it. Singh expressed confidence that the people of PoK will voluntarily join India after witnessing the progress in Kashmir. He emphasized the improved security situation in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 and predicted that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) may soon become unnecessary. Singh also denounced Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism and vowed to prevent destabilization efforts. Regarding the eastern Ladakh border dispute with China, he stated that talks are ongoing and India’s borders will remain secure.