People in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit- Baltistan have been protesting against Pakistan and China to secure the release of 50 Chinese wives of men hailing from Gilgit-Baltistan. China has reportedly detained 50 Chinese women who were married to Pakistani men.

The detention was made as part of a crackdown on elements allegedly involved in the religiously-motivated act of terrorism in Gilgit-Baltistan region. Traders in Gilgit-Baltistan recently held a meeting with representatives of local political parties on the detention of Chinese wives of Gilgit-Baltistan-based traders, reported Manish Shukla of Zee News.

Traders threatened to seal Pakistan-China border if Beijing fails to release their Chinese wives. They further warned that they would start boycotting any commercial activities on the Pakistan-China border if the demand was not fulfilled.

The residents of the PoK have been facing numerous issues under the Pakistani occupation since 1947. They allege they are treated as second-class citizens in PoK.  The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) has held series of demonstrations and conventions against the kidnapping of PoK men.

UKPNP alleged that Pakistani security forces are involved in the kidnapping of political activists and those who raised voice against Pakistan occupation and exploitation of their natural resources.