MUZAFFARABAD: Led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), a long march departed for Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), on Monday, amid the ongoing wheel-jam strike protesting inflated electricity bills and taxes, which has now entered its fourth day.
Protesters have initiated sit-ins, obstructing the Kohala–Muzaffarabad Road at various points along its 40-kilometer stretch, connecting Kohala town to Muzaffarabad in AJK. The demonstrators are anticipated to utilize the same route from Dhirkot to reach the capital.
Following clashes between police and protesters in Mirpur during demonstrations, which resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to over 70 others, the AJK government deployed Rangers and AJK police.
Substantial police forces have been stationed at roundabouts and sensitive areas, with markets, trade centers, and educational institutions shuttered, and transportation services suspended.
PM Calls High-Level Meeting In response to the deadlock in negotiations between protesters and the state government, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened a high-level meeting on Monday to address the ongoing situation in AJK.
Expressing grave concerns over the violent clashes, PM Shehbaz emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards vigilantism. He revealed having spoken with AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and directed all Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) office bearers in AJK to engage with AAC leaders.
“I appeal to all parties to pursue peaceful means to address their demands. Despite efforts by detractors, resolution is hopefully imminent,” stated the premier.
President Zardari Advocates Restraint President Asif Ali Zardari has urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint and resolve AJK’s issues through dialogue and consensus-building to prevent exploitation by hostile elements.
Highlighting the need for responsible actions by political parties, state institutions, and AJK residents, President Zardari pledged to address AJK’s grievances with PM Shehbaz to navigate the current crisis.
The president extended condolences for the loss of life and injuries during clashes and urged swift resolution through dialogue.
AAC Leadership Denounces Violence Meanwhile, the AAC’s central leadership has distanced itself from violent incidents during protests, asserting their movement’s peaceful nature.
Sajid Jagwal, an AAC member, reiterated the peaceful nature of their protests, highlighting the absence of incidents over two days. Tauseef Mansoor, another member, emphasized the committee’s detachment from recent violent occurrences.
Anjuman Tajran President Sahabzada Waqas clarified that the protest targeted issues, not institutions or the state, affirming allegiance to the country and its institutions.
AJK Protests Escalate The AAC’s call for a shutter-down strike to protest electricity price hikes and taxes escalated into clashes between protesters and police.
A sub-inspector was killed, and numerous others, both police and protesters, sustained injuries during police teargas shelling and protester-initiated stone pelting.
Violent protesters damaged multiple vehicles, including a magistrate’s car, along the Poonch-Kotli road. Market closures and disruptions to daily activities persisted across AJK, prompting police crackdowns and numerous arrests.
Mobile phone and internet services were suspended in various parts of AJK, including Bhimber and Bagh Towns, with Mirpur experiencing a complete blackout of mobile networks and internet services.
