Rangers’ deployment withdrawn as situation ‘calms down’ in AJK

MUZZAFARABAD: Protests have entered their third consecutive day across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, sparked by outrage over exorbitant electricity and skyrocketing flour prices, on the call of the AJK Awami Action Committee.

Convoys from various regions of AJK are en route to Muzaffarabad in response to the committee’s call for a long march and protest. In response to deteriorating law-and-order situations, Rangers had been called which had entered the territory from Kohala before they were called back on the order of President Asif Ali Zardari.

JK Minister for Rural Development Faisal Mumtaz Rathore confirmed that the Rangers, under the directive of President Asif Zardari, were swiftly recalled after their entry into Azad Kashmir, citing a de-escalation of the situation.

Meanwhile, JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir reiterated the committee’s commitment to peaceful negotiation with authorities to address the pressing issues of affordable electricity and flour. Mir also expressed appreciation for the withdrawal of the Rangers from the area.

“We have planned another shutter-down strike,” he informed reporters on Sunday. “We have maintained peaceful activism over the past year and will continue to do so. This territory, along with its institutions and police, is our own.”

Mir emphasized that the JAAC advocates for the rights of the public in AJK, attributing the current challenges to bureaucrats’ lack of understanding of public needs.

“We are open to dialogue and peaceful resolution,” Mir stated, urging authorities to keep the JAAC informed about decisions. “Our intention is not to harm anyone.”

He criticized the federal government for prioritizing spending on non-essential items while claiming budget constraints prevent subsidizing electricity and flour.

“The government’s excuse of budget constraints is unacceptable when they prioritize luxury items,” Mir remarked, urging the federal government and the prime minister to reconsider their priorities.

“I do not wish for our platform to be controversial,” Mir clarified. “We comprise respected politicians, and the local council supports our cause.”

Mir highlighted the broad support for the movement, noting that members from various parties and councils stand united. “Our nation is awakening to our cause. This is not about politics; it’s about asserting our rights and identity.”

Meanwhile, protesters from Sadhnoti have removed barriers set up by the administration at Baloch and Awanabad checkpoints. Sunday marked the third day of the protest, which included a wheel jam and strike throughout Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The protest and strike have led to the suspension of internet and mobile phone services in Bhimber, Bagh, Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, and other cities. Ongoing since May 10, demonstrators are decrying exorbitant electricity bills and a shortage of subsidized flour.

Also read: DIG Muzaffarabad Region replaced after violent protests erupt in AJK

On the third day, all business centers, offices, and shops remained shuttered across AJK. Clashes erupted between demonstrators and police, prompting the latter to respond with tear gas in the face of stone-throwing by protesters.

Meanwhile, the district administration imposed Section 144 in Mirpur, and tragically, a police officer lost his life due to gunshot wounds during clashes with protesters.

The Awami Action Committee has announced a long march from Mirpur and other cities to Muzaffarabad. Participants have reportedly reached Tatta Pani and Hajeera from Mirpur and Kotli districts. After spending the night, they plan to proceed from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad, although roadblocks have been set up to impede their movement.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern and urged the AJK prime minister to initiate dialogue with protesters, emphasizing a peaceful resolution through democratic means despite ongoing conspiracies.

Deeply concerned about the situation in AJK.

Unfortunately in situations of chaos and dissent there are always some who rush in to score political points. While debate, discussion and peaceful protests are the beauties of democracy , there should be absolutely no tolerance for…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 12, 2024

He directed the PML-N office-bearers in AJK to talk to the leaders of the Awami Action Committee and urged all parties to resort to a peaceful course of action for the resolution of their demands.