After several days of intense protests and strikes in Muzaffarabad and other parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the Awami Joint Action Committee has announced the end of their protests and wheel-jam strike following progress on their demands.
However, the shutter-down strike would continue to mourn for the three deceased protesters.
The committee, which had been spearheading demonstrations, called off their protest on Monday night in Muzaffarabad after significant developments in negotiations with the government.
The protests, which had garnered widespread attention, were centred around three key demands, including a reduction in electricity prices, subsidized flour, and the abolishment of the privileges of the elite.
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The participants of the processions coming to Muzaffarabad from different areas had started returning. However, as a gesture of mourning for the three lives lost during the protests, a day of mourning has been declared across the state, with funeral prayers scheduled for the deceased today. While the wheel jam strike has been lifted, a shutter-down strike continues in mourning for the three protesters.
Furthermore, in Muzaffarabad, wireless internet service remains suspended, and only a handful of shops have started opening up. The government offices are also seeing partial attendance, as many workers are still observing a strike. According to the notification issued by the government last night, Tuesday is a holiday in all the educational institutions and government offices of Muzaffarabad district.
Judicial commission on elite privileges
Meanwhile, there has been progress on the third demand put forth by the protesters, regarding the privileges allocated to the elite. The government issued a notification to establish a judicial commission to review and reduce the privileges of high-ranking government officials.
This move is seen as a positive step towards addressing one of the primary concerns raised by the protesters regarding inequality and privilege within the government structure.
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The commission will review the privileges enjoyed by the bureaucracy and senior government figures. The nomination of the head and members of the commission would be done with the approval of the chief justice of the high court. The notification further said that the terms of reference of the judicial commission would be determined later.
Joint action committee issues declaration
After negotiations with the government, the Awami Joint Action Committee issued a declaration demanding blood money for the youths who died during the days-long protests. The statement said the negotiations have resulted in an agreement to end cases against protesters and release those who were arrested during the demonstrations.
Also Read: AJK govt, Joint Action Committee reach successful negotiations
The group also demands a transparent investigation through a judicial commission into the instances of police violence in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad. The committee demanded that the investigation report of the judicial commission be made public and those responsible punished.
It also announced a day of mourning across the state on Tuesday and a shutter-down strike till 3pm in memory of the protesters who died during the demonstrations.
Situation in Rawalakot
Despite these positive developments, certain areas, such as Rawalakot, continue to experience disruptions, with internet services suspended and ongoing wheel jam and shutter-down strikes for the fifth consecutive day, affecting government offices, courts, educational institutions, and transport services.
On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a substantial aid package amounting to Rs23 billion for the region. The aid package encompassed various measures aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by the people of Azad Kashmir, including significant reductions in the prices of government-provided flour and electricity. The PM ordered immediate provision of the aid package.
Following the announcement, the price of government flour has seen a notable decrease, dropping by Rs1,100 per maund. Consequently, consumers will now be able to purchase flour at Rs2,000 per maund instead of the previous Rs3,100, a move expected to provide much-needed relief to the populace.
Additionally, adjustments in electricity prices have also been made, with rates set at Rs3 per unit for domestic consumers up to 100 units, Rs5 per unit for consumption between 100 and 300 units, and Rs6 per unit for usage exceeding 300 units.
Commercial customers will also benefit from revised pricing, with charges set at Rs10 for consumption up to 300 units and Rs15 for usage beyond this threshold.
