AJK Protests
MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Kashmir government has issued electricity bills based on a new tariff, charging consumers Rs3 per unit.
This development follows violent protests and an agreement between the government and the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
The new tariff aims to provide affordable electricity to the public, fulfilling the government’s promise. Under this new rate, bills are issued without any surcharge, and any outstanding amounts will be collected in 12 installments.
According to the agreement signed in May, the electricity rate was set at Rs3 per unit.
The Azad Kashmir government has implemented this new tariff through an official notification, with rates fixed at Rs3 per unit for up to 100 units, Rs5 per unit for 100-300 units, and Rs6 per unit for above 300 units.
The violent protests that led to this development were marked by clashes between police and activists of a rights movement amid a wheel-jam and shutter-down strike across the territory.
These clashes resulted in at least one police official’s death and several injuries. Sub-inspector Adnan Qureshi succumbed to a gunshot wound to the chest in the town of Islamgarh. He was deployed to stop a rally heading for Muzaffarabad under the JAAC banner.
The JAAC’s demands included the provision of electricity at hydropower generation costs in AJK, subsidized wheat flour, and an end to the privileges of the elite class.
The protesters’ violence caused significant damage, including to multiple vehicles and a magistrate’s car on the Poonch-Kotli road.
As a result of the unrest, markets, trade centers, offices, schools, and restaurants remained closed across Azad Kashmir.
This situation highlights the tension between the government and the public regarding electricity tariffs and other economic issues.
The new tariff, although a result of violent protests, represents a step toward addressing some of the public’s grievances by providing more affordable electricity.
The government’s commitment to fulfilling its promise reflects an attempt to ease tensions and restore normalcy in the region.
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