AJK protests enter fourth day as deadlock between government and protestors continues

The Awami Action Committee (AAC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have staged massive protests and sit-ins against high electricity bills and taxation for the fourth day now.

Protestors plan to reach the capital Muzaffarabad, after violent clashes took place between the AJK police and the protestors.

The government of AJK called in Rangers and AJK police after clashes between the police and protestors erupted in Mirpur during demonstrations that killed a cop and injured more than 70 others.

Heavy contingents of police have been posted at roundabouts and sensitive locations, while markets, trade centres and educational institutes remain closed, and transport is suspended.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grave concern on the situation and stated that there should be “absolutely no tolerance for taking the law into one’s own hands”.

Meanwhile, the central leadership of the AAC has distanced itself from the violent incidents that occurred during the protests.

A sub-inspector was killed while dozens of other policemen and protesters also got injured during the teargas shelling by the police and stone pelting by the demonstrators.

Violent protesters damaged multiple vehicles, including a magistrate’s car on the Poonch-Kotli road. Moreover, markets, trade centres, offices schools and restaurants remained closed across the AJK.

Cellular services have been suspended in different parts of AJK.