Peace and calm appear to have returned to Azad Jammu and Kashmir on the third day of demonstrations on Sunday against rising electricity bills, while normal life remains disrupted with businesses shuttered and public transport halted in various cities.
On Saturday, turmoil gripped Azad Kashmir, as clashes between protesters and police escalated during the ongoing demonstrations against rising electricity bills.
Normalcy could not be restored on the third day of the wheel-jam and shutter-down strike in Kashmir on Sunday, where an additional sub-inspector was martyred and 16 other police personnel injured in firing on Saturday.
This is Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir not `SIRINAGAR` . Thousands of Kashmiris violated the old colonial black law section144. They are demanding tax free electricity from Mangla dam and subsidy on wheat flour. #Kashmir pic.twitter.com/9YKWagZ9Cx
— Ahsan Iqbal (@Ahsaniqbalahs) May 12, 2024
The situation in Muzaffarabad was tense, with businesses, markets and public transport closed completely in various cities. A couple of hotels and restaurants could be seen opened somewhere in the city.
اس معاملے کو جلد از جلد خوش اسلوبی سے حل کرنا چائیے، ملک میں پہلے ہی شدید افراتفری ہے، اور اب اگر ریاست یہاں بھی انگیج ہو گئی تو مسائل میں اضافہ ہو گا۔#Muzaffarabad https://t.co/ozBM7LSgIA
— Abdur Rauf (@AbdurRauf_50min) May 12, 2024
A march, which started from Mirpur, is passing through various cities en route to Muzaffarabad. The participants in the march spent the night at various spots on their way. However, the administration has blocked roads to stop the processions coming from different areas towards Muzaffarabad. Barricades have been erected on the road at Kohala.
The protesters are demanding that electricity prices be decreased, flour subsidized, and the privileges of the elite abolished.
Internet service suspended
Meanwhile, 4G broadband internet service also remains suspended in Mirpur, Rawalakot and other cities across Azad Kashmir. The locals have complained about facing severe problems due to the internet shutdown.
The funeral prayers for Adnan Qureshi, the martyred Azad Jammu Kashmir Police sub-inspector, who was performing his duty as additional sub-inspector, would be held at noon in Mirpur.
Also Read: AJK Police Addl. SHO Adnan Qureshi killed as protest turns violent
On Sunday, a peaceful rally of the Awami Action Committee was held in the Barnala tehsil of Bhimber district, demanding the release of their arrested colleagues, while daily life was going on as usual in Samahni, Barnala and Bhimber.
Moreover, additional police force has been removed from the entry and exit points of Bhimber district, as business centers have opened up and traffic on the highways is also flowing normally.
پورے کشمیر میں اس وقت قافلے آزاد کشمیر کے دارالحکومت مظفرآباد کی طرف رواں دواں ہیں۔
— Imran Pazir (@imranpazir1) May 12, 2024
All over Kashmir, convoys are currently moving towards Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir.#AzadKashmir pic.twitter.com/2sulIOheO6
"Citizens have played an exemplary role in maintaining peace and order in Bhimber," said the deputy commissioner.
Awami Action Committee response
Following the AJK prime minister's invitation for talks, the Awami Joint Action Committee says they have been tortured by the internet shutdown. Committee leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir says shutting down the internet to suspend communication was a negative move and counterproductive.
He said further that the processions coming from different areas will be welcomed in Muzaffarabad. "We have three demands: electricity at the production cost, supply of cheap flour, and an end to the privileges of the elite," Mir reiterated.
"Our struggle is for the rights of the people," he emphasized.
President calls emergency meeting
Following the rising violence during protests in Azad Kashmir, President Asif Zardari has called an emergency meeting at the President House today at 6pm. In the meeting, a briefing will be given to the president by the top officers and officials of Azad Kashmir.
The reasons behind the current crisis in Azad Kashmir will also be reviewed at the meeting and suggestions presented on solving the issues.
The president has also called a meeting of the PPP Azad Kashmir leadership at 4pm where he is set to get a briefing from them.
On Saturday, various places in Muzaffarabad saw stone-pelting and shelling, while the Bank Road appeared to be a battlefield. Many police officers and protesters were injured in Islamgarh, and an additional SHO, who was injured the previous day due to the violence of the protesters, died.
Also Read: President Asif Ali Zardari summons emergency meeting on AJK situation
On the appeal of the Joint Public Action Committee, a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike prevailed across Azad Kashmir on the second day on Saturday. Traders started their march from Mirpur towards Muzaffarabad. When barriers were put up to stop the march in Kotli, the participants made their way by cutting down trees.
Invitation for open dialogue
Amidst the chaos, Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq extended an invitation to the Public Action Committee for open dialogue, expressing the government's willingness to address concerns regarding the prices of essential commodities and provide more relief on the prices of flour and electricity.
He said in a press conference that the government would not make any undemocratic decisions, adding that a sub-inspector was martyred, and 50 officials were injured during the riots. Despite this, the authorities showed patience and avoided using force. He dispelled any reports to the contrary as rumours spread on social media.
