PPP leaders condemn AJK PM as internet and mobile services remain suspended due to strike

Internet and mobile services have been suspended in all 10 districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, reports said, as the Joint Action Committee’s protest against alleged high wheat and electricity tariffs entered its third day on Sunday. Meanwhile, the PPP leadership has complained to President Asif Zardari about the attitude of the AJK Prime Minister.

Protesters in Muzaffarabad marched towards the gathering. At least two police officers were reportedly injured in recent clashes with protesters.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened a report from PML-N president AJK unit Shah Ghulam Qadir on the AJK protests.

The Joint Action Committee clarified that it had no connection with the violent incidents and criticized the Indian media’s propaganda over their protests.

Meeting under Zardari

A meeting was held at President House under President Zardari to discuss the situation in Asad Kashmir. The top leadership of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) discussed various options regarding the governance of Azad Kashmir.

According to sources, the PPP leadership filed a barrage of complaints against the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir.

The focus of the meeting was the current situation in Kashmir.

President Asif Zardari also met a delegation of members of the PPP Legislative Assembly in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The delegation briefed the President about the recent tragic events in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The President expressed sadness over the current situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and condoled the tragic loss of police officials.

President Zardari also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of all those injured in the recent clashes.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said, “All stakeholders should show restraint, engage in dialogue and resolve the problems of Azad Jammu and Kashmir through mutual consultation.”

President Asif Zardari said that political parties, state institutions and the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir should work responsibly to prevent hostile elements from taking advantage of the situation.

The President stressed that the demands of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir should be met in accordance with the law and he would discuss the grievances of the people with the Prime Minister to find a solution to the current situation.

He further stated that health, education, tourism and infrastructure development should be prioritized for social and economic progress in Asad Kashmir.

The President stressed the need to bridge the gap between far-flung regions and other developed areas of the country.

Dialogue is the solution to problems: AJK PM

AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq told reporters that negotiations were a solution to the problems.

“Today or tomorrow the agreement will be reached that the AJK government and the Awami Action Committees have signed an agreement. According to Shaukat Mir, 99% of the matters have been resolved. The Services have notified you and we will let you know. Implementation is underway, what is needed now to spread anarchy,” he told reporters.

According to the AJK Prime Minister, there was an “element” in the region that had its own narrative and beliefs regarding Kashmir, but their number was very small.

Haq added that the police conduct routine patrols and clarified that the FC is not stationed there.

The mountainous region has been cut off from the rest of the country since Friday after the Joint Action Committee announced wheel traffic jams and strikes to close the shutters in support of its demands.

The group, comprising farmers, businessmen, locals and vendors, is demanding wheat subsidy and tax-free electricity from Mangla Dam.

In a statement, the committee said strikes would continue in all ten districts on Sunday. The group claimed that police arrested several members who were marching from Haveli district to Muzaffarabad.

It is pertinent to mention here that the district administration has imposed a 10-day ban on gatherings of more than five people in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Bhambir, Poonch, Haveli, Sidhonti, Neelum and Jhelum Valley under Section 144 of CrPC.

Sources added that the PPP will also decide whether to be part of the ruling coalition or not.

Meanwhile, the Muzaffarabad administration has changed DIG Yaseen Qureshi. Irfan Masood Kashf replaced him as the new DIG in the region.

Roadblocks

The protest has led to road blockades, a complete shutdown of public and intra-city transport, a significant drop in tourist arrivals and inconvenience for returnees due to the road closure. Some protesters are directing returning tourists along alternative routes, while others are providing information about the situation.

In this situation, both local residents and tourists are facing extreme difficulties in obtaining basic necessities. Those who have supplies make do with what they have because they can’t find anything else.

Police have not issued traffic maps or instructions for tourists. Committee officials and protesters were reportedly arrested instead.

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Police officer killed

A sub-inspector was killed and 12 officials injured in a clash between police and protesters in Kotli on Saturday.

Similar clashes, altercations, baton charges and use of tear gas between police and protesters in AJK’s Poonch and Muzaffarabad divisions further aggravated the situation and turned the regional capital into a battlefield.

To stop the “long march” towards Islamabad organized by the Joint Action Committee, authorities erected barriers on the roads leading to Muzaffarabad.

Demands of the demonstrators

The AJK Joint Action Committee submitted ten demands to the government

• Wheat subsidy similar to Gilgit Baltistan
• The electricity tariff should be determined based on the cost of generating electricity from the Mangla Hydropower Project in AJK
• Unnecessary benefits and privileges of the ruling class and civil servants should be completely abolished
• Restrictions on student associations should be lifted and elections should be held
• Kashmir Bank should be planned
• Local representatives should be given resources and powers
• Mobile phone companies and internet services should be standardized
• Real estate transfer taxes should be reduced
• The Accountability Bureau should take action in the AJK and changes should be made to the law
• Tree felling should be practically restricted and laws should be enacted to revive the local timber industry