The negotiations between the Joint Action Committee (JAC) and the Azad Kashmir government have been stalled, which has resulted in a revival of protests in AJK. Lack of success has led to the escalation of tension and the violent attacks from protestors against police.
The peace of the beautiful fields of Muzaffarabad is where the protest movement has formed and is witnessing daily clashes between the protesters and the law authorities. Unfortunately, the clashes have already resulted in the death of at least one police officer, with more than 90 others being injured. In spite of the government struggling to pacify the civilians, it did not work and the JAC has expressed its dissatisfaction with the negotiation outcome and vowed to continue its protest. The Mangla Hydropower Project Cost-Based Electricity Tariffs, a Wheat Subsidy Similar to the One in Gilgit-Baltistan, and an End to the Ruling Classs’ Perceived Benefits are the major demands raised by their joint committee. These demands show the economic and social problems that are the driving force behind the protest movement.
Government’s calls and accusations of insincerity and dishonesty have increased resentments among the citizens, thus, leading to more conflicts between the protesters and authorities. The JAC, however, after achieving no breakthroughs in the dialogue, has announced a march on the state capital, therefore raising the pressure on the government to deal with the grievances. The escalating situation has been countered by the suspension of internet and cellular services across all ten districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, thus making it even more difficult for the protesters to communicate.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arranged a summit on the crisis in Islamabad to find solutions. Being the cornerstone of democracy, he reminded all parties that peaceful talks should be the only way forward to reach a peaceful solution to the crisis. Nevertheless, PM Shehbaz remains optimistic about the peaceful settlement of the protests and has strongly condemned any acts of violence or damage to public property. The state of high tensions is prompting actions to unfreeze the situation and aide the inception of a meaningful dialogue between the government and protesters.