Unrest continues to seethe in the (Pok ) Pakistan-administered region of Kashmir (PaK) as citizens protest against surging wheat flour costs, exorbitant electricity bills, and taxes, with the agitation entering its fourth day on Tuesday as per reports from news agency ANI. The capital city of Muzaffarabad was the site of violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
The Awami Action Committee spearheaded a demonstration demanding tax exemptions for electricity generated from the Mangla Dam and subsidies for wheat flour. The protest was sparked by unanticipated police intrusions at night, resulting in several arrests of leaders and activists. Conflicts broke out between the protesters and law enforcement in Muzaffarabad, Dadyal, Mirpur, and other regions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PaK).
Political activist Amjad Ayub Mirza, from the Pakistan-controlled region of Kashmir, expressed his concerns about the escalating tensions in the capital city, Amjad Ayub Mirza He revealed that the situation is rapidly becoming severe with around half a million individuals converging on Muzaffarabad and its surrounding areas to express their disapproval over increased electricity tariffs, reduced subsidies, and the call to eliminate unnecessary benefits for top government officials including the Prime Minister, the President, and all Legislative Assembly members, as well as judges and bureaucrats. The crowd retaliated against the Rangers’ actions, causing them to withdraw initially. However, they later returned in full force.
Mirza has reported a monthly reduction in wheat prices by Rs 600-700. In response to this change, the government of Pakistan has pledged an annual subsidy of 23 billion Rupees. “The members and heads of the Jammu-Kashmir Joint Action Committee (JAAC) are showing interest in these developments and have urged the public to head towards what is now known as Aziz Chowk, formerly Gilani Square,” he mentioned.
Mirza drew attention to the stark situation in PoK, commenting, “The number of fatalities may rise. The region is experiencing a complete internet blackout. Army commandos began arriving via helicopter into the heart of Muzaffarabad, with each aircraft transporting approximately 20 to 25 commandos. They began disembarking, but due to the internet blackout, the current situation remains unknown, and casualties continue to rise.”
He further stated, “We have appealed to India’s representative in the United Nations to voice our concerns at the United Nations Forum. We also urge the Indian government to direct the Ministry of External Affairs to call upon the Pakistani ambassador and demand clarification. This is a blatant act of murder occurring in broad daylight in PoK.”
