Unrest, clashes erupt in Muzafarabad, parts of AJK: Here’s why?

Muzaffarabad: Protests broke out before the long march in Muzaffarabad and other parts of Azad Kashmir Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), here on Friday.

According to media reports, the Muzaffarabad Public Action Committee has called for a long march to Muzaffarabad, the capital of AJK, tomorrow, May 11 (Saturday).

Earlier today, at least 70 activists were arrested amid a ‘long march’ by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee. Agitators have now called for a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike.

The government has summoned the Punjab Constabulary, Frontier Constabulary, and Azad Kashmir Police to stop the long march.

It is pertinent to mention that the AJK High Court had ordered the AJK government to enter into an agreement with the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) to resolve the issues related to the construction of the Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project and other hydropower projects and approve the matter under the interim constitution of Azad Kashmir.

Read More: FIR registered against Ex-AJK PM for attempting to occupy Centaurus Mall in Islamabad

However, the government failed to implement these orders.

The case was still pending, but on May 8, 2023, the people of Rawalakot demanded a subsidy on wheat flour. And on August 18, Muzaffarabad and Mirpur also became part of the protest due to the increase in electricity bills.

The alliance between the cities later took the form of a movement throughout Azad Kashmir; however, no mainstream political party was part of it.