Shutter down strike in AJK rising prices of electricity and flour

MUZAFFARABAD: A complete shutter down strike was observed and mass protests held in various cities of Azad Jammu and Kashmir against the rising prices of electricity and flour.

The shutter down strike began on Thursday morning and rallies were held in various cities, with protesters chanting slogans against the government during the demonstrations.

The strike was called by the Joint Public Action Committee of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Protests against rising prices have been ongoing for several months in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Last week, the police removed camps in cities such as Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, and others and arrested many protesters. After that, all regional action committees joined together to form the Joint Public Action Committee.

Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq said, “Protesting is the right of the people, but no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands.”

On the other hand, after the homes of leaders of the Joint Public Action Committee were raided, there was a significant reaction on social media.

Leaders of any political party in Azad Jammu amd Kashmir are not part of this protest movement.

Faisal Jameel, the leader of the Joint Public Action Committee in Muzaffarabad, said, “Public sentiment is clearly visible. People were not forced to keep cars off the roads and shops closed. They are participating in this protest of their own free will.”

In the main square of Muzaffarabad, a large number of protesters gathered, and Shaukat Nawaz Mir, the head of the Joint Action Committee, who had gone underground following raids, also participated in the protest.

The protesters chanted slogans against the government and WAPDA (Water and Power Development Authority) and raised slogans against the construction of a dam in Muzaffarabad.

It is the first time that such widespread protests and demonstrations are taking place across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.