The federal government has once again renewed its offer for negotiations with the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) after deadly violence in the AJK. The offer comes after violent protests left nine people dead, including three policemen, and injured more than 100 others in Azad Kashmir.
Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, speaking at a press conference alongside AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, stressed that most of the demands had already been met. “Ninety percent of the committee’s demands have been accepted, and federal ministers stand as guarantors for their implementation,” he stated.
Shutdown in Muzaffarabad as Protests Escalate
On the second consecutive day, Muzaffarabad witnessed a complete shutdown and wheel-jam strike. Shops, hotels, and commercial centers remained closed, while public transport vanished from the streets. Although schools were officially open, classrooms were largely empty as students stayed home.
The People’s Action Committee (PAC) earlier issued a 38-point charter of demands. These include abolishing 12 reserved refugee seats in the legislative assembly and reducing the privileges enjoyed by elites.
Government’s Stance on Key Demands
Fazal Chaudhry explained that only two demands required constitutional amendments: abolishing refugee seats and cutting the number of ministers. He insisted that the government remained open to dialogue on these issues.
He criticized the continuation of protests, warning that unrest would not bring solutions. He urged JKJAAC leaders to engage in peaceful dialogue instead of confrontation, stressing that violent demonstrations could allow India to exploit the situation for propaganda.
Prime Minister Haq’s Appeal for Peace
AJK Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq confirmed that three policemen were martyred and more than 100 injured during the clashes, including eight critically. He added that the government equally valued the lives of both civilians and police officers.
Haq emphasized that dialogue remained the only civilised way to resolve disputes. He urged protestors to halt agitation, warning that violent actions would only push society towards chaos. The prime minister also assured that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had expressed readiness to personally hear the committee’s concerns.
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