# PoK protests driven by local grievances, not just India factor 2026-08-14T14:52:21+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The recent protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) were triggered by the killing of JAAC activist Shahzeb Habib in June, with his vehicle intercepted near Rawalakot. Activists dispute authorities' account, alleging security forces fired first. The protests have since sustained for months despite crackdowns. An analysis in The Hindu argues that dominant narratives, Pakistan's claim of Indian instigation and external observers' view of a first major revolt against Pakistan, both miss the complex reality. The mobilisation draws on decades of grievances over political representation, economic distribution, and constitutional ambiguity. The author stresses that PoK politics must be understood on its own terms, not solely through the India-Pakistan rivalry. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: Hizbul Mujahideen, Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Shahzeb Habib Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/pok-protests-driven-by-local-grievances-not-just-india-factor/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/pok-protests-driven-by-local-grievances-not-just-india-factor/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.