The government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) recently decided to suspend mobile phone and internet services for a period of two days. This move came after failed talks between the Joint People’s Action Committee and the Azad Kashmir government, prompting protesters to march towards the capital, Muzaffarabad.
According to the details, the decision to suspend these services was made by the Azad Kashmir government itself. Prime Minister Shehbaz has called for a meeting on Monday to discuss the situation in AJK, with the participation of the AJK premier and other relevant parties. The Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Energy, and Food Security will also be present at the meeting.
Protests in AJK have been ongoing for the past three days, with demonstrators expressing grievances about increased power tariffs, flour prices, and perceived elite privileges. Reports have highlighted clashes between the police and protesters, resulting in the death of one policeman and injuries to several individuals. It’s reported that over 150 protesters have been arrested.
Although Rangers were deployed on Sunday, they were later withdrawn as the AJK government opted to pursue negotiations on the third day of protests. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz have stressed the importance of exercising restraint and resolving the issue through dialogue.
