Protests and rallies against the Federal Government of Pakistan. And the Government of Azad Kashmir have been taking place since May 8 in AJK. The demonstrators demand socialist demands, including cheaper prices for wheat flour and electricity. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of Azad Kashmir has. Spearheaded many of the protests, representing a range of interests including. Those of traders, transporters, attorneys, and students.
By detaining the movement’s leaders, the government sought to head. Off a scheduled protest on May 12, which enraged. The demonstrators and resulted in fatal altercations. A year-long movement against price increases and. Perceived injustices towards Azad Kashmir culminated in the protests.
What is the history behind the AJK Protest?
In May 2023, protests in Azad Kashmir started in the Poonch. District headquarters town of Rawalakot. A few sit-in protests against the soaring costs of electricity and wheat. Flour were the catalyst for them. Soon after, most of Azad Kashmir went. Without paying their electricity bills as a result of the boycott.
A third of Pakistan’s electricity is produced in Azad Kashmir. According to the demonstrators, through 3,000 megawatts of cheap. Electricity produced by these projects. However, the prices charged to consumers in Azad Kashmir are five times. Higher than the cost of production. The Pakistani Constitution, which forbids the government. From profiting from the people living in Azad Kashmir, is allegedly violated by this.
The failure of multiple rounds of negotiations. Between the governments of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan, as well as between the Joint. Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and the government of Azad Kashmir, to yield positive. Outcomes has prompted the movement to question. Pakistan’s UN mandate during the Kashmir conflict.
Numerous associations representing traders, transporters, and attorneys observed. A strike in September 2023, when thousands of people participated in protests. In all of Azad Kashmir’s major towns. On February 5, 2024, which is typically observed. As Kashmir Solidarity Day, a strike call was also issued.
Muzaffarabad Public Action Committees organized a “long march”. From all over Azad Kashmir to the capital city of Muzaffarabad on Saturday, May 11. The federal government attempted to obstruct the march by mobilizing. 600 members of the Punjab Constabulary and an unknown number of. Frontier Constabulary officers.
Demands of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of Azad Kashmir
Ten demands were made of the government by the AJK Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC):
- Wheat subsidies akin to those in Gilgit Baltistan
- The cost of producing electricity from the Mangla Hydropower. Project in AJK should be used to calculate the electricity tariff.
- The ruling class and officials should completely give. Up any unnecessary benefits and privileges.
- Elections should be held and restrictions on student unions should be removed.
- It is necessary to schedule Kashmir Bank.
- It is appropriate to grant funds and authority to municipal representatives.
- Internet providers and cellular carriers ought to standardize
- There should be a decrease in property transfer taxes.
- Changes to the Act and the establishment of an. Accountability Bureau in AJK are both necessary.
- Legislation should be passed to revive the regional wood. Industry, and reasonable limits on tree cutting should be placed in place.
What Happened in the Last 4 Days
9 May
After conducting raids on the homes of JAAC activists and their. Relatives in the Muzaffarabad and Mirpur divisions on the intervening night of May 8 and 9. The police detained about seventy of the activists. The elected leader of traders in Muzaffarabad. Shaukat Nawaz Mir, along with a few other action committee members. Were among the activists who were arrested. On May 9, confrontations between traders and activists erupted in Dadyal Tehsil, Mirpur.
Two officers were hurt in the fire that destroyed a black Vigo car. That is typically connected to Pakistan’s intelligence agency. Section 144 and the deployment of 5,000. Police officers by the government in response led to more altercations. Indian Intelligence Agencies were allegedly involved, according to the Inspector General of Police. Following consultation, the federal cabinet authorized the deployment of Frontier Constabulary. (FC) in Azad Kashmir to support the local police and government and to. Ensure the safety of Chinese nationals living there.
May 10
In response to the altercations, JAAC declared it would be. Closing for business and issued a strike notice for May 11. According to reports, demonstrators threw sticks and. Stones at the police, who retaliated with baton charges and shelling. in the afternoon. The police used aerial firing to dissuade the demonstrators at some point between. 5 and 7 o’clock in the evening.
Although a school was subjected to tear gas, the home minister. Stated that the demonstrators had thrown a tear gas shell inside the building. Amidst the chaos, a state officer was also taken prisoner for four hours. Numerous demonstrators and police officers were attacked, and at the. Time, the government claimed to have arrested 25 foreign Indian agents. Although hundreds more had been taken into custody.
May 11
As the fake news narrative pushed the people, May 11th proved to be the most deadly day of the protests. People throughout the region staged. Protests, and in one town, the police allegedly fled. Rather than confront the demonstrators. In other locations, the demonstrators attacked the police, hurling two policemen off hillsides. While two other officers raced to save their lives.
Shaken by the violence, a few civilians threw themselves. At the defense of the police, even going so far as to sit between them to protect them. Give them a chance to escape, and stop the demonstrators’ onslaught. All day and all night, videos of the carnage would surface.
Although it wasn’t shown in the video, a police officer’s AK-47 rifle was stolen at one point. There were more reports of altercations as one police officer. Who had been shot in the chest succumbed to his injuries. Despite having heavy weapons at their disposal, including assault rifles and armored. Cars equipped with machine guns, the police exercised restraint. Travel throughout the area was prohibited for military personnel and vehicles.
May 12
The increasing tensions prompted a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari. Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Early in the morning, a four-minute clip of approximately 40–130 military vehicles. Crossing a bridge into Azad Kashmir was posted on X. These were. Thought to be transporting First Strike Corps soldiers to Frontier Corps. Paramilitary positions near the border.
Large military vehicles and Rangers conveys were seen. Entering Azad Kashmir at approximately 12:20 pm. A convoy of fifty Pakistani army vehicles from. Punjab and sixty-five Ranger vehicles from Murree were headed for Kashmir. It has been reported that approximately 1300 Rangers have been deployed to. Poonch and Muzaffarabad. Many areas of AJK, including Bhimber and Bagh Towns. Experienced a suspension of internet and mobile phone service today. Over a town in Kashmir, an army helicopter was observed in the sky.
In response, JAAC leaders denounced the violence and counseled. Demonstrators to remain peaceful and refrain from using violence or anti-Pakistan rhetoric. The leaders also declared their love for Pakistan and claimed to be Pakistanis.
The Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir offered to make amends and. Engage in negotiations with the JAAC, claiming that they had already. Resolved 99% of the demands. In response to the protests, the government shut down. Internet access throughout the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to hold. An emergency meeting tomorrow, May 13, with his cabinet, Interior Ministry. Officials, and Azad Kashmir Government officials among others. As per some reports, President Zardari ordered. Some rangers to pull out of the situation or not to go into action yet. The protesters continued their long march on the Regional Capital Muzaffarabad. Though they started out on foot rather than in vehicles. Heading to rawalkot and other regions to hold rallies.
The Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Sunday that peaceful. Protests were a democratic right but that there should be “no tolerance” for violence. Between 5 and 10 p.m. Pakistan Time, media reports claim that the Government. Has agreed to the demands of the JAAC to address the issues. However, Bol News reports that the demands have not. All been accepted yet and it remains inconclusive.
May 13
As the Chief Secretary of Azad Kashmir announced that the Internet. Had been restored and the government had agreed to the protests’ demands, the JAAC. Continued its long march through Muzaffarabad, and a video of. Some protestors chanting for independence from Pakistan emerged on May 12. About 150 more ranger vehicles arrived in Azad Kashmir on May 13.
Although the JAAC stated that they would only call it off with an official. Notification that would be read to the protestors, what happened. Next is questionable to say the least. As reports surfaced of rangers firing on demonstrators. Resulting in about 13–15 deaths according to local sources and 4 according to Pakistani. media, with hundreds more injured.
Videos of heavy gunfire in the capital, Muzaffarabad, and other locations. Along with the helicopter airlifting of troops, surfaced; protesters retaliated with stone-throwing. Other videos showed the deployment of troops in Lahore, the capital. Of Punjab, as well as protests in Rawalpindi in support of the Kashmiris. Accompanied by calls for revolution.
Government Response
The Premier of AJK, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq. Announced a reduction in electricity prices, with Rs. 3 per kWh for consumption below 100 units, Rs. 5 per kWh for consumption between 100 and 300 units, and Rs. 6 per kWh for consumption exceeding 300 units. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif immediately provided Rs. 23 billion ($82,685,321) to AJK as a result of the infusion of Federal provisions.
The Awami Joint Action Committee remained “cautious” about the government response. Demanding “written document and not a verbal announcement,” requesting formal government notification. Chaudhry Anwarul Haq claimed that the government. Had accepted “all demands of Awami Action Committee,” and “notified. Subsidies on food and electricity.” The commercial unit price was fixed at Rs10 for 1-300. Units and Rs15 for above 300 units, clarifying that it was a “permanent arrangement.” This came after a meeting between the Federal government and AJK leaders.
The state government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). According to Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, has agreed to all of the. Awami Action Committee’s (AAC) demands.
PM Shehbaz Sharif promised his full support to address the issues of the. AJK people, and PM Anwar stated, “No one can reject two fundamental. Demands regarding cheap roti [bread] and electricity,” during a press conference. on Monday in Islamabad.
He made it clear that neither the government’s intentions. Nor its efforts would be directed towards interfering with the AJK people’s. Peaceful struggle going forward.
The AJK Electricity Department published a notification. Stating that the power tariff for domestic customers was set at Rs 3 per unit up to 100 units. Rs 5 per unit for 101 to 300 units, and Rs 6 for more than 300 units. For commercial customers, the tariff was Rs 10 for 1-300 units and Rs 15 for more than 300 units.
In a related announcement, the Food Department set the price of Rs. 1,000 for 20 kg and Rs 2,000 for 40 kg wheat flour bags, which would be sold to the public through approved dealers.
The president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz AJK, Shah Ghulam. Qadir, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz for. Acknowledging the situation when he brought. It to his attention the day before, congratulated. The people of AJK on the acceptance of their just demands, and stated that the. Government of Pakistan had once again demonstrated its love for the people of the region. Citing the AJK’s sensitivity as the reason for Prime Minister Shehbaz’s prompt action.
Deaths and Injuries Occurred During the Protest
Clashes between the demonstrators and the police broke out again in Muzaffarabad. Where at least one man was killed and two others injured. In Azad Kashmir, there were violent confrontations between the. Police and activists of a rights movement. During a nationwide wheel-jam and shutter-down strike. Which resulted in the death of one police official and multiple injuries.
The protesters threw stones at the security guards, who responded. With baton charges and tear gas shelling, according to the details. Two people, including a child, were. Injured during the altercation, according to hospital sources. One man died.
The Joint Action Committee protestors, who marched. For a long time and are currently staging a sit-in at Ambor, have caused. Internet service to be suspended once more following a confrontation. Between them and Rangers personnel.
The Awami Action Committee had also announced a long march from. Muzaffarabad to Madina Market; the shutter down and wheel-jam strike. Is being observed to press for demands of cheaper electricity and flour in the region.
After-Event Impact of the AJK Protest, Is it a Reality-Check
Following recent protests in the area, the situation in AJK has taken a violent turn. The tragic death of Sub Inspector Adnan Farooq Qureshi in Mirpur, by protestors. Has made the situation even more intense. As the anger and frustration mount, it is imperative to look into the. Underlying causes and complexities of this scenario. The complexity of the situation becomes clear when one closely examines the landscape. Of grievances and unresolved concerns that have simmered. Beneath the surface for far too long.
The use of confrontational tactics in violent protests. By activists during the current uprisings raises serious concerns because. They are inherently harmful to resolving fundamental issues. In addition, the number of people. Killed during these protests not only violates moral and legal requirements but also. Raises questions about the intentions behind such acts.
In light of such turbulent events, it is imperative to focus on promoting. Accountability and adherence to the law. It also prompts one to contemplate the grave consequences. Of eschewing morality and legal logic in favor of dissent. In fact, one might wonder if the national incidence of violent outbursts could. Have been reduced had the perpetrators of the May 9th incident. Been swiftly and decisively brought to justice.
The reality on the ground, however, tells a different story: in the past. AJK has been primarily dependent on Pakistan to supply essential goods. This dependence has been made worse by the recent unrest. Ironically, social media platforms have contributed to the transmission and amplification of violent. Protests, which has created a false impression of the. Public’s support for the demonstrators.
The public’s general discontent stems from the effects of these violent. Protests on everyday life. A closer examination of the issue reveals that the. Residents of AJK are facing an astonishing debt of between Rs. 60,000 and 70,000 in outstanding dues. One of the demonstrators’ main demands is the cancellation of. These outstanding debts, which would help ease the public’s financial burden. The public’s support for the protestors is largely based on the hope that their. Outstanding electricity dues will be exempted if these protestors. Are successful in their efforts.
In contrast to the leading political figures, it is noteworthy. That the local leadership in AJK has assumed a more prominent and aggressive. Role amid the emerging instability. The conspicuous absence of these high-profile individuals. Has plausible implications; it is assumed that they are utilizing their. Silence to emphasize how essential they are to resolving the issue; additionally. There is a strong sense that their ultimate. Participation is directed towards their limited. Political interests, which are expected to be satisfied. After they succeed in settling the issue.
This calculated posture highlights the complex interplay between political. Dynamics and personal agendas, raising doubts about the sincerity of their. Commitment to resolving the people’s grievances. It is important to remember that local leaders from various. Parts of the federating unit are leading the protesters, and they face the. Challenge of taking a united stance towards the resolution of the issue. Their divergent viewpoints are a major. Obstacle to reaching a final resolution of the issue.
In the face of both internal and external challenges, unity and solidarity are. Essential, and any attempts to maintain a culture of political. Opportunism and division within the government ranks should be strongly rejected. On the one hand, we must unwaveringly support and appreciate the sincere. Attempts made by the Government of Pakistan (GOP) and the AJK government. To address the underlying problems and bring stability back.
