AJK Govt accepts all demands of Awami Action Committee protestors

RAWALAKOT: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government on Sunday accepted all the demands of the Joint People’s Action Committee (JAAC) protesting against excessive electricity bills and taxes.

As per the reports, the violent clashes between law enforcement agencies and Awami Action Committee activists across the Azad Kashmir region have reportedly paralyzed the region during a widespread strike, which has left at least one policeman dead and several injured.

It is pertinent to mention that sub-Inspector Adnan Qureshi tragically lost his life due to a gunshot wound sustained in the chest in Islamgarh, where he had been deployed to manage a rally bound for Muzaffarabad under the banner of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

The JAAC, which is mainly made up of businessmen, has been advocating price fixing of electricity in Azad Jammu and Kashmir to eliminate the cost of hydropower production, subsidized wheat flour and privileges for the elite.

Read More: Punjab Rangers deployed in Azad Kashmir amid ACC protests

During the protest, violent protesters vandalized several vehicles including the Magistrate’s vehicle on Poonch Kotli Road. Additionally, markets, commercial centers, offices, schools and restaurants remained closed in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

According to sources, the government accepted all the demands of the protestors as a result of the talks between the JAAC delegation and the region’s chief secretary at the Rawalkot commissioner’s residence.

Sources indicated that the government also agreed to the committee’s request for increase in subsidized flour and electricity bills.