Protest in AJK: Strike Disrupts Life and Demands Action
MUZAFFARABAD: A huge wheel jam and shutter-down strike are interfering with daily routine as the protest in AJK enters its second day in a row. A coalition of civil society organizations is organizing this rally in opposition to a contentious presidential ordinance that has drawn strong criticism. Protesters shut down businesses, shops, and public services, blocking roadways with burning tires and rocks. Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has come to a near halt due to the strike, indicating the rising discontent with the way the administration is managing the situation.
Government’s Response to the Protest
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) announced that protesters would continue the strike until Friday as they intensified the demonstration in AJK. The administration urged talks to reduce tensions. Information Minister Pir Mazhar Saeed told the media that the Supreme Court had stopped the contentious ordinance. He urged all parties to cooperate and find a peaceful solution.
“We need to find innovative solutions to the issues at hand,” Saeed said, advocating for a constructive approach to resolve the situation. Despite the government’s call for peace, JKJAAC core committee member Shaukat Nawaz Mir warned that if the ordinance is not repealed and detained demonstrators released by noon Friday, the protests could escalate. “If our demands are not met, the protests will grow, and a long march to Muzaffarabad may follow,” Mir stated.
AJK Protest Caused Major Disruptions
The protest in AJK has severely impacted daily life, with public transportation halted and streets deserted. Social media footage showed businesses and medical establishments closed, while schools and banks saw low attendance. The strike has impacted the region, with protesters and police clashing in some areas. In Kotehra village, located in the Bagh district, demonstrators clashed with police, prompting them to use tear gas in response to stone-pelting. However, no serious injuries have been reported.
Despite the disturbances, Information Minister Saeed praised the public for maintaining discipline and peace during the protests. He remarked, “This is the hallmark of a mature society—protests conducted peacefully,” and emphasized that the authorities maintained law and order throughout the demonstration.
Leaders Highlight the Purpose of the Protest in AJK
Shaukat Nawaz Mir emphasized that the protest in AJK was not an attack on the state but a fight for the people’s rights. He called the ongoing strike a “referendum against the unjust ordinance” and warned that it could escalate further if the government failed to act. “This protest is about protecting the state’s integrity,” Mir said. “We will not allow anyone to derail the state or its system.”
In Rawalakot, thousands joined a rally led by JKJAAC member Umar Nazir Kashmiri, further demonstrating the widespread support for the protest movement. The growing momentum of the protest reflects the deep dissatisfaction among the people regarding the controversial law and the government’s response.
Impact of the Protest in AJK on the Community
The AJK protest has caused major disruptions to the everyday routines of Muzaffarabad and the adjacent districts. Many students were unable to attend the AJK Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education exams because they lacked transportation. Many families experienced financial hardship as a result of the closure of local businesses and street sellers.
The protest, however, remains a powerful symbol of resistance, with the people of AJK demanding action from the government. As the situation evolves, the outcome of this protest will depend on whether the government can address the concerns raised by the demonstrators. If the protest continues to grow, the government will face mounting pressure to find a solution.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the AJK
Both sides are still at a halt while the AJK demonstration goes on. The demonstrators have made it clear that their demands are non-negotiable, notwithstanding the government’s invitation for discussion. Muzaffarabad is drawing all attention as the next step in this ongoing crisis will define the future of the region’s political landscape, with the strike predicted to last until Friday.
The AJK protest is part of a larger movement for justice and people’s rights, not just a struggle against a contentious law. It is unclear how the demonstrators and the administration would react to the demand for a settlement as tensions increase.
