The protest in AJK has resumed despite an impasse, with demonstrators accusing the government of using delaying tactics. Offices and schools will be closed today.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have pledged to address the protesters’ ‘genuine demands’. A potential agreement between the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee and the AJK government remains elusive, prompting the protest movement to resume its march on Muzaffarabad.
Following clashes that resulted in the death of a policeman, the region remains relatively calm, with business centers shut and public transport suspended in Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions. In Mirpur, a partial strike is observed.
The decision to march on the state capital was made after talks between the JAAC core committee and AJK Chief Secretary Dawood Bareach in Rawalakot ended without progress. A protest leader accused the government of resorting to evasive tactics during these discussions.
In response to the protests, government offices and educational institutions will remain closed today.
According to the JAAC representatives, the talks were expected to yield positive results, but following the lack of progress, the public was urged not to organize rallies or confront the police.
Essential businesses in the state capital briefly opened in the afternoon, but few vehicles were seen on the roads. Similar scenes were reported in Rawalakot, with activists from various districts arriving to join the protests.
President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz urged restraint and dialogue to resolve the issues peacefully. PM Shehbaz has called a meeting to discuss the ongoing situation in AJK.
