Terrible protests have started in Pakistan’s Union Territory of Azad Kashmir. A police officer was killed in clashes with protesters in Muzaffarabad and other districts of the region on Saturday. Another 90 officers and members were injured.
In a report, media outlet Geo News reported that anti-government protests started in various areas of Azad Kashmir a few days ago due to price inflation, high tax collection and power shortage. The protest, led by the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, a regional political party in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, soon turned into a pro-independence protest.
The Joint Awami Action Committee called for a strike across Azad Kashmir on Friday. The police arrested dozens of leaders from that program.
Violent protests started again on Saturday in various districts of the Union Territory demanding the release of the arrested. At this time, the police clashed with the protestors.
Shaukat Nawaz Mir, chairman of the Muzaffarabad Business Association and member of the Joint Awami Action Committee, told reporters, “Though there were clashes in other districts and areas, the level of clashes in Muzaffarabad was much higher.” We can confidently say that no shop has opened anywhere in the entire district, not a single wheel of a car has turned on the road.’
Clashes broke out between police and protesters in Islam Garh area of Azad Kashmir on Saturday. The protestors fired at the police as they obstructed the march. Assistant Sub-Inspector Adan Qureshi was shot in the chest. He died on the way to the hospital.
Besides, many people were injured due to tear shells and stone pelting between the police and the protestors. The injured included both police and protesters.
The regional government of Azad Kashmir has imposed Section 144 in all ten districts of the region to quell the protests. Barricades have also been installed on the roads connecting Muzaffarabad, the center of the movement, with other districts.
Joint Awami Action Committee leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir told reporters, “We want to tell the people of Azad Kashmir that this protest is a fight for our rightful rights and true freedom.” All of you join it.’
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