MUZAFFARABAD: A profound shift in sentiment is taking root among the people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PJK), a region long overshadowed by geopolitical conflict. A growing number of average Kashmiris are openly expressing their disillusionment with ISI-sponsored terrorist camps and the dire conditions that have plagued their lives for decades. This sentiment is rooted in a desire for peace, development, and a future free from the shadow of militancy—a future they see taking shape on the other side of the Line of Control (LoC).

1. Rejection of ISI-Sponsored Terrorist Camps
The most significant indicator of this changing sentiment is the widespread rejection of ISI-sponsored terrorist camps. For years, the Pakistani military and intelligence establishment have used PJK as a staging ground for cross-border militancy. However, local Kashmiris have come to realize that these camps are not a tool for liberation, but a source of instability, violence, and a perpetual state of fear. The presence of these groups has resulted in a loss of life and economic stagnation, leading to a deep-seated desire among the populace to see them disbanded.

2. The Deceptive Role of "Charity" Organizations
A crucial aspect of this shift is the growing awareness among locals about the deceptive nature of organizations masquerading as charities. Groups like Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), Idara Khidmat-e-Khalq, and Al-Rashid Trust, all with known links to proscribed terrorist organizations, have been exposed for their true purpose: using humanitarian aid as a front to recruit vulnerable youth into militancy. Locals, particularly the youth, now recognize that these groups offer a path not to salvation, but to a cycle of violence and death that has destroyed countless lives and families.

3. The Desire for Development and Progress
A powerful catalyst for this change in sentiment is the stark contrast between the living conditions in PJK and those in Jammu and Kashmir. While PJK has languished under a lack of development, infrastructure, and economic opportunities, J&K has seen significant progress in various sectors, including education, tourism, and infrastructure. This disparity has fueled a sense of betrayal and a powerful desire among the people of PJK for a similar path of development and prosperity. They yearn for schools, hospitals, and job opportunities, not a future defined by conflict and poverty.

4. The Feeling of Betrayal by the Military and Political Establishment
The Pakistani military and political establishment have long been viewed with deep suspicion and resentment. The people of PJK feel betrayed, believing their aspirations for self-determination have been co-opted and manipulated for Islamabad's strategic interests. They view their region as a pawn in a larger geopolitical game, with their lives and futures sacrificed to maintain a state of perpetual conflict. This feeling of betrayal is a key driver of the growing public unrest.

5. Past Instances of Public Protest
This disillusionment has not been a silent one. There have been several instances of protests against military presence in the past. These demonstrations, often met with state repression, show a long history of a populace unwilling to be silenced. These protests are a testament to the deep-seated anger and frustration that has been simmering for years.

6. The 2019 Muzaffarabad Protest
A particularly notable instance occurred in 2019, when local Kashmiris in Muzaffarabad organized a peaceful protest rejecting the militant presence. Holding banners with powerful messages like, "No more violence in our land" and "We want peace, not militancy," they sent an unequivocal message to both the militants and the authorities. This protest was a clear and public rejection of the narrative that militancy represents the will of the people.

7. A Local Politician's Condemnation
The public sentiment has also been echoed by local politicians. In a 2020 interview, a local politician condemned ISI-backed terror groups, highlighting that their presence not only created insecurity but also crippled the local economy and jeopardized the future of PJK's youth. This statement from a local leader demonstrates that the opposition to militancy is not just a popular sentiment but is also gaining political traction.

8. The 2018 Al Jazeera Documentary
The youth, in particular, are at the forefront of this changing sentiment. A 2018 Al Jazeera documentary featured young Kashmiris from Muzaffarabad who voiced their aspirations for a peaceful life. One young man stated, "We don't want to be part of these terrorist groups. We want to go to school, work, and live peacefully. These groups give us nothing but pain, and our future is being destroyed by them." This powerful statement encapsulates the hopes and fears of an entire generation yearning for a normal life.

9. The Dire Condition of Refugees in PJK
The plight of refugees, or "muhajirs," in PJK is another contributing factor to the regional instability. These refugees face poor living conditions and a complete lack of political representation. This marginalization and disenfranchisement, exacerbated by economic discrimination and social exclusion, further fuel the discontent against the ruling establishment. The Freedom House Report (2024) highlighted these issues, pointing to the limited political freedoms and discrimination faced by marginalized groups, including refugees.

10. Pakistan's Evolving Strategy in Jammu and Kashmir
Meanwhile, in J&K, Pakistan's strategy has undergone a noticeable shift. Following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, a period of relative calm saw local youth largely renouncing militancy. In response, Pakistan has increasingly relied on foreign militants to fuel unrest. This is evidenced by a significant increase in the arrests of foreign militants in J&K, with police arresting nearly 250 in 2020, a notable increase from the previous annual average of 100-150. In contrast, local recruitment has plummeted, with only 7 local youths joining militant ranks in 2024, a 94% decline since 2021.

11. Targeting of the Hindu Community to Stoke Communal Tensions
In a desperate bid to create communal tensions, Pakistan-backed terrorist groups are now intentionally targeting the Hindu community in J&K. Recent attacks, such as the 2025 Pahalgam Attack, the 2024 Reasi Attack, and the 2023 Rajouri Attacks, are clear examples of this strategy. These attacks are designed to disrupt the peaceful coexistence of communities and re-ignite the cycle of violence that has plagued the region for decades.

12. Militant Groups Rebranded as SDTGs
Finally, to conceal the foreign origin of these militants and portray the violence as an indigenous movement, groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have been rebranded as so-called "shadowy" or "superficial" fronts like the People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) and The Resistance Front (TRF), also known as SDTGs (Superficial/Shadowy Terrorist Groups). This rebranding is a transparent attempt to deceive the international community and locals into believing that the ongoing violence is a homegrown insurgency.

In conclusion, the sentiment in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is at a critical juncture. The people, especially the youth, are rejecting the old narrative of militancy and embracing a future of peace and prosperity. They are keenly aware of the exploitation they have endured and are watching the progress in Jammu and Kashmir with a mixture of envy and hope. This shift in public sentiment poses a significant challenge to the Pakistani establishment and could mark a turning point in the region's long and troubled history.