AJK protests: schools, offices to remain shut today

MUZAFFARABAD: With no end to protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) the government has decided to all government and private educational institutions as well as offices will remain close on Monday.

The government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has issued a notification for closing all educations institutions on Monday.

The government also issued a notification for closing all the offices across the district on Monday.

It is pertinent to mention here that at least a police officer was killed and over 70 sustained injuries during the clashes between the police and the protesters in Mirpur on Saturday.

On Sunday, mobile phone and internet services were suspended in different parts of AJK including Bhimber, Bagh Towns and Mirpur.

PM CONVENES MEETING

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened a high-level meeting today to discuss the ongoing situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) as the negotiations between the protesters and the state government ended in deadlock.

Expressing deep concerns over the violent clashes between the Azad Jammu and Kashmir police and the protesters, PM Shehbaz earlier on Sunday said that there should be “absolutely no tolerance for taking the law in one’s own hands”.

Taking to X, the premier said: “While debate, discussion and peaceful protests are the beauties of democracy, there should be absolutely no tolerance for taking the law in one’s own hands and damaging government properties.”

The premier made the remarks after the AJK government called in Rangers as the protests and demonstrations against high electricity bills and taxes entered the third day om Sunday. The protest was organised by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

Rangers’ deployment withdrawn as situation ‘calms down’ in AJK

“Unfortunately, in situations of chaos and dissent there are always some who rush in to score political points,” PM Shehbaz added.

The premier further said that he had spoken to AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and also directed all PML-N office bearers in

AJK to talk to the leaders of the action committee.

“I urge all parties to resort to peaceful course of action for resolution of their demands. Despite best efforts of detractors, the matter will hopefully be settled soon.”

AJK PROTESTS

Earlier this week, the AAC called for a shutter down and wheel-jam strike across the state to protest the electricity price hike and taxes. However, the situation escalated as the protestors and police clashed.

A sub-inspector was killed while dozens other policemen and protesters also got injured during the teargas shelling by the police and stone pelting by the demonstrators.

The violent protesters damaged multiple vehicles, including a magistrate’s car at the Poonch-Kotli road. Moreover, markets, trade centres, offices and schools and restaurants remained closed across the AJK.

Police also launched a crackdown against the protesters after the events of violence, arresting dozens of individuals in the AJK capital.

The AJK government had banned public gatherings, rallies, and processions in all districts in the wake of AAC protests, with Section 144 imposed in the entire region.