Muzaffarabad Unrest: What's Behind the Protests and Clashes?
Muzaffarabad saw a tense environment on Monday, May 13, 2024, following two days of violent skirmishes between police and activists from a rights movement. This turmoil triggered a complete shutdown and a wheel-jam strike throughout the AJK region, significantly affecting daily life.
Sneak Peek at Muzaffarabad:
According to reports, fights ensued after the rights movement’s protests turned violent. The particular demands of the movement are obscure from widely available sources. However, the situation escalated substantially, resulting in;
- Tragically, one police officer died amid the fighting.
- More than 90 people, including police officers and protestors, were reported hurt.
- Communication Disruption: To maintain control and prevent further escalation, internet services in Muzaffarabad were suspended.
- Heightened Anxiety: The violence and shutdown created a sense of anxiety and fear among the city’s residents.
- Stalled Negotiations: Negotiations between the administration and protest organisers allegedly failed. Protestors continued their march to Muzaffarabad.
The Awami Action Committee (AAC)-led a lengthy march on Monday left toward Muzaffarabad, as part of the shutdown strike against high power bills and taxes entered its fourth day.
The standoff between protestors and the government persisted as negotiations failed. Therefore, the senior leadership of the People Action Committee in Rawalakot proclaim the march’s continuation to Muzaffarabad.
Demonstrators have blocked the 40-kilometer-long Kohala-Muzaffarabad Road at several spots and paralyzed the entire transportation infrastructure around it. To reach Muzaffarabad, the demonstrators will follow the same route from Dhirkot through Kohalad town.
Many Rangers and AJK police troops have taken up positions in the area. The AJK government summoned them following skirmishes between police and protestors in Mirpur, which killed a police officer and injured over 70 others.
Heavy police presence has been deployed at roundabouts and sensitive places. While markets, trade centres, and educational institutions remain closed, and transportation has been suspended.
Protesters Towards Muzaffarabad Demand Subsidized Wheat Flour, Lower Electricity Rates:
It includes providing free energy (or at a production cost of Rs 5 per unit), and subsidized wheat flour. Similar to what is supplied in Gilgit Baltistan, and the immediate cessation of perks and privileges granted to ministers, officials, bureaucrats, and others.
The People Action Committee maintains that it wouldn’t end its long march to Muzaffarabad. Unless these demands are met and executed by the government, following their arrival in Muzaffarabad, the protestors want to hold an indefinite sit-in.
According to Geo News, mobile phone and internet services were suspended in several areas of the PoK on May 12, including Bhimber and Bagh Towns. It further stated that all mobile networks and internet services have been suspended in Mirpur.
PM Shehbaz Summons Meeting on Muzaffarabad Protest:
The protest caused President Asif Ali Zardari to convene an emergency conference. With senior officials Sardar Yaqoob, Chaudhry Yasin, and Latif Akbar.
Therefore, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a high-level meeting on Monday. To discuss the ongoing situation in AJK as the negotiations between the protesters and the state government ended in a deadlock.
PM Shehbaz expressed grave worry on Sunday about the violent skirmishes between the AJK police and the demonstrators, saying that there should be “absolutely no tolerance for taking the law into one’s own hands”.
Rising inflationary pressures around the world, particularly in big countries like the United States, are driving central banks to tighten monetary policy.
The premier stated that he had spoken with AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and asked all Pakistan Muslim League-N office bearers in AJK to contact the action committee leaders.
“I urge all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution of their demands. Despite the best efforts of naysayers, the situation should be resolved soon.”
Good News for Muzaffarabad Protesters: PM Approves Immediate Provision of Rs23b to Solve Problems of AJK’s people:
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has approved an urgent supply of twenty-three billion rupees to address the problems of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a special meeting in Islamabad to offer his permission. It assessed the current scenario in AJK.
The Kashmiri leadership and other attendees hailed the Prime Minister for the announcement of funding.
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