Pakistan

Punjab Rangers deployed in Azad Kashmir amid ACC protests

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Web Desk

2 years ago

MUZAFFARABAD: Punjab Rangers deployed in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) amid wheel-jam and shutter-down strike against electricity price hikes and taxes across region, here on Sunday.

As per the reports, the AJK government, earlier called in the Rangers to deal with the Awami Action Committee (ACC) protesters who took to streets against taxes.

The development comes after clashes between the police and protestors erupted in Mirpur yesterday that killed a policeman and injured over 70.

On the call of Awami Action Committee (AAC), the protest against high electricity bills and taxes entered the third day.

A strike is continuing to implement a 10-point charter of demands, bringing life to a standstill. Public transport, shops, markets, and commercial centers are closed.

Yesterday, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq said that the government has reached an agreement with the Awami Action Committee (AAC) after holding talks.

AJK PM said the government held negotiations with the AAC and we are prepared to alleviate the burden of high flour and electricity prices. The Awami Action Committee has reiterated that the indefinite wheel jam strike will persist until their demands are met.

Azad Kashmir protest enters its third day

The AJK government had banned public gatherings, rallies, and processions in all districts in the wake of AAC protests, with Section 144 imposed in the entire region.

Moreover, Mobile phone and internet services have been suspended in different parts of AJK today including Bhimber, Bagh, Mirpur, and Muzaffarabad.

AJK Peoples Party President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin said that the demands of the protestors should be met. “Wheat flour and electricity are cheap in Gilgit Baltistan, then why can’t it be cheap in AJK? he questioned.

“Peoples Party condemns the use of force, arrests, and violence against the people and all such policies of the AJK government,” he added.

Pakistan Muslim League (N) Azad Kashmir’s Additional Secretary General Zulfiqar Ali Malik said that the AJK PM’s wrong strategy has led to the recent environment of protests.

“No one is ready to trust PM Haq and most of the members are in the assembly based on fake mandate,” he said, adding that AJK belongs to political and ideological people.

Web Desk