A widespread strike paralyzed businesses and daily activities in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as reported by local media on Saturday.
A widespread strike paralyzed businesses and daily activities in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as reported by local media on Saturday. The protest, organized by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), was in response to a police crackdown, resulting in clashes between security forces and demonstrators.
The strike, marked by closed businesses and halted transportation, was accompanied by police deploying tear gas to disperse stone-pelting protesters. The impact extended beyond the streets, reaching homes and mosques. Similar protests erupted in various towns across Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, including Samahni, Sehansa, Mirpur, Rawalakot, Khuiratta, Tattapani, and Hattian Bala.
Clashes between Pakistani Occupational forces and PoK civilians at multiple places in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Occupational forces vehicles and police stations have been set to fire. The situation is extremely tense. pic.twitter.com/oz2hdV6dss
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras)SHARE Maximum : Pakistani Occupational Forces are throwing Kashmiri protesters from hills in river in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. This is a complete violation of human rights. Hope is watching the situation of PoK. pic.twitter.com/DJnCJRQvGG
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras)Protesters are throwing Pakistani Occupational Forces from the hills in ongoing protest in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Pakistani Occupational forces are fleeing from Occupied Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/0S3WawyzZE
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras)
The JKJAAC called for the strike following the arrest of several of its leaders and activists in overnight police raids across Muzaffarabad and Mirpur divisions. Additionally, the committee had previously announced plans for a large-scale march towards Muzaffarabad on May 11, indicating a sustained push for their demands.
The Public Action Committee, a prominent rights movement, continues its protest against what it deems "unjust" taxes imposed on electricity bills. Last August, the committee organized a similar shutter-down strike to voice its grievances.
Protesters in PoK are beating Pakistani Occupational Forces at many places. Pakistani Occupational Forces are fleeing and saving their lives. pic.twitter.com/Z4zAtv65jq
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras)There are multiple reports about protesters in PoK are stripping and beating Pakistani Occupational forces at many places during ongoing protests against Pakistan Army and Govt. pic.twitter.com/sPPWEoN7Y8
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras)In a recent development, it has been revealed that the Chief Secretary of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) reached out to the Secretary of the Interior Division in Islamabad, requesting the deployment of up to six platoons of civil armed forces (CAF) to ensure security during the May 11 strike. This underscores the authorities' anticipation of potential unrest and the need for heightened security measures in response to the strike.
Hum Kya Chahte Azadi
Pakistan Se Lenge Azadi
Lakhs of people on streets of PoK against Pakistan Army and Government.
Phase 3 of is going well pic.twitter.com/rXHRKQeBcD
Thousands of people on Streets of Muzaffarabad against atrocities of Pakistan Army and Pakistani Governments. Reportedly a minor girl is r@ped by two Pakistani soldiers while raiding a house of protester. pic.twitter.com/cGhDesyDEW
— Baba Banaras™ (@RealBababanaras)Requesting the additional troops for three months, Chief Secretary Dawood Muhammad Bareach, in his letter of April 22, said: “We are (now) faced with calls for shutter down and wheel-jam strikes from May 11 onwards given by the sub-nationalists and other disgruntled subversive elements. They intend to create a law and order situation by forcibly closing markets and disrupting public service delivery.”
Despite the government's implementation of Section 144 and the declaration of holidays in educational institutions on May 10 and 11 across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), thousands of people took to the streets in all districts in anticipation of the strike.
The JKJAAC movement's core demand is that electricity tariffs should be based on the production cost of hydro-power in the state, as reported by Dawn. In December of the previous year, the movement had come to an agreement with an official reconciliation committee, resulting in a government notification issued on February 4.
However, the committee announced a long march for May 11 in April, citing the government's alleged failure to fulfill its written commitments. According to Dawn, all businesses, including banks, remained closed, and there was a notable absence of traffic and vendors on the roads in three districts of Muzaffarabad division, illustrating the widespread impact of the strike.