Massive protests against China-Pakistan over construction of dams in Kashmir
Massive protests and a torch rally were held in Muzaffarabad city of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on the night of September 07 to oppose the mega dams to be constructed by Chinese companies on Neelum-Jhelum River. The protesters hailed ''Darya Bachao_ Muzaffarabad Bachao (Save River_ Save Muzaffarabad) Committee'' chanted slogans like "Neelum-Jhelum behne do_ humein zinda rehne do" (let the Neelum and Jhelum rivers flow_ let us live). The rally was attended by hundreds of residents from the city and other parts of PoK. Recently_ Pakistan and China signed agreements to construction mammoth hydel projects - Azad Pattan and Kohala Hydropower in PoK region. the Azad Pattan Hydel Power Project involves the generation of 700.7 megawatts of electricity and is part of the controversial China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The project has been sponsored by Chinese group - China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC) at a whopping $1.54 billion. Sponsored by China's Three Gorges Corporation_ the Kohala Hydroelectric Project is located 90 km from Pakistan's capital Islamabad. It is expected to be completed by 2026 and has been sponsored by International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Silk Road Fund. What really irks locals is high Chinese presence in the area_ massive construction of dams_ and river diversions threatening their very existence. Pakistan and China are jointly plundering the natural resources of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan in the wake of China Pakistan Economic Corridor. The residents have often raised their voices against increasing Chinese presence in the area. -Source: Timesnownews
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