Muzaffarabad, December 19: Protests were held against Pakistan government in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir’s (PoK) Muzaffarabad demanding immediate termination of the hydropower plant project underway on the Neelum-Jhelum rivers. The protesters also demanded authorities to refrain from sanctioning any further projects. Locals even shouted anti-Pakistan slogans. Locals also blamed the Pakistan government for recklessly exploiting natural resources of the area. PoK is already facing a water crisis. The project will further aggravate the water problem. Pakistan Takes U-Turn; Says Saudi Won't Be Part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Last week also, women activists staged a protest in Muzaffarabad against Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower project. A large number of protestors came out and raised slogans against Pakistan government. The project has affected the lives of many people and has forced them to migrate to other places. Bus Service Between Pakistan And China Through PoK: India Lodges Strong Protests.

The Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower is designed to divert water from the Neelum River to a power station on the Jhelum River. The power station is located 42 km south of Muzaffarabad, and has an installed capacity of 969 MW. Construction on the project began in 2008 after a Chinese consortium was awarded the construction contract in July 2007.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, a massive protest broke out in Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan on Tuesday against Pakistan. The protesters gathered in large numbers to express their anger against the Pakistani government. They were demanding fundamental and constitutional rights. Recently, reports surfaced that people in PoK continue to face troubles due to the incompetence of the local authorities.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 19, 2018 10:13 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).