The protestors from ”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), ANI reported.

Recently, Pakistan and China signed agreements to construct Azad Pattan and Kohala Hydropower Projects in PoK, reported the news agency.

The Azad Pattan Hydel Power Project of 700.7 megawatts of electricity as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was signed on July 6. The USD 1.54 billion project will be sponsored by the China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC), ANI reported.

The locals have been irked by the presence of Chinese people in the area.

Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza, a political activist from PoK, told ANI, “Such protests in PoK are continuing for a long time, but their voice is not heard. China’s Three Gorges Corporation is constructing these billion dollars projects like Kohala Hydropower Project and Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower project and they have changed the course of the rivers. This has caused a severe rise in temperature in Muzaffarabad.”

He added, “Once roaring Neelum River now gives the looks of a small rivulet. It has severely affected the local residents as they even do not have drinking water. The river is flooded with sewage.”

“China is investing huge money in the region and who will repay it?” Dr Mirza questioned while adding that poor people of PoK will suffer the most by repaying these debts.