A long march, spearheaded by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), embarked towards Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), on Monday, marking the fourth day of a wheel-jam strike protesting inflated electricity bills and taxes.
Sit-ins have already been staged along the Kohala–Muzaffarabad Road at various points, obstructing the 40-kilometer stretch that connects Kohala town to Muzaffarabad. Demonstrators are expected to traverse the same route from Dhirkot to reach the capital.
The AJK government called in Rangers and AJK police after clashes erupted between the police and protesters in Mirpur during demonstrations, resulting in the death of a police officer and injuries to over 70 others.
Heavy police contingents have been deployed at roundabouts and sensitive areas, with markets, trade centers, and educational institutions shuttered, and transportation services suspended.
In response to the escalating situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened a high-level meeting to address the ongoing crisis in AJK, following unsuccessful negotiations between the protesters and the state government.
Expressing deep concern over the violent clashes, PM Shehbaz emphasized zero tolerance for vigilantism, urging all parties to seek peaceful resolutions. He directed PML-N office bearers in AJK to engage with the action committee leaders.
President Asif Ali Zardari has also intervened, urging restraint and dialogue among stakeholders to resolve issues peacefully and prevent exploitation by hostile elements.
The AAC leadership has distanced itself from the violent incidents, asserting their movement’s peaceful nature. They denied involvement in the clashes and reiterated their demand for a peaceful resolution.
The protests, initially aimed at electricity price hikes and taxes, intensified as clashes erupted between protesters and police. A sub-inspector was killed, and numerous injuries were reported.
In response, authorities launched a crackdown, arresting scores of individuals. Mobile and internet services were suspended in various areas, including Bhimber and Bagh Towns, to control the situation.
Despite efforts to quell tensions, the situation in AJK remains tense, with protests ongoing and authorities taking measures to restore order.
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