Jamil Maqsood, head of the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), has sharply criticized Pakistan’s handling of recent unrest and voiced a strong desire for reunification with Jammu & Kashmir.

Speaking to ANI in Geneva, Maqsood accused Pakistan of silencing dissent through force and declared that ordinary citizens are no longer willing to live under its dominion.  He said, “People are not ready to be silenced,” adding that public sentiment in regions like PoJK now leans toward breaking away and rejoining the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir.

His remarks come in the aftermath of violent clashes in Pakistan, in which at least 10 protesters were killed and many others injured.  The protests, which began in Muzaffarabad, called attention to grievances such as subsidies, privileges of elite political classes, and alleged violations of fundamental rights.