Islamabad, May 13 : Tension gripped Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as a total strike against soaring prices of wheat flour and inflated electricity bills entered its fourth day, prompting the government to intensify efforts to ease the situation following violent clashes between security forces and protesters.
The disputed region witnessed clashes on Saturday between the police and activists of a rights movement, resulting in the death of at least one police official and injuries to over 100 people, predominantly policemen. Since Friday, a complete strike has paralyzed life in the territory.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to convene a high-level meeting on Monday to address the ongoing situation after negotiations between the protesters and the state government failed to yield results.
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), representing traders in most parts of the region, has been advocating for electricity provision based on hydropower generation costs, subsidized wheat flour, and an end to privileges for the elite class.
A long march led by the JAAC headed towards Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as the strike entered its fourth day. The movement announced its march after talks between the JAAC core committee and the region’s Chief Secretary Dawood Bareach reached an impasse.
Protestors have staged sit-ins, blocking the Kohala–Muzaffarabad Road at several locations, according to the Dawn newspaper. Heavy police contingents have been deployed at roundabouts and sensitive locations, with markets, trade centers, educational institutes closed, and transport suspended.
After clashes erupted between the police and protesters in Mirpur during Saturday’s demonstrations, the government called in the Rangers for assistance.
Expressing deep concerns over the violent clashes, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized zero tolerance for lawlessness and urged peaceful resolution of demands. He also directed Pakistan Muslim League-N office bearers to engage with the protest leaders.
President Asif Ali Zardari urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint and resolve issues through dialogue, emphasizing responsible action by political parties, state institutions, and the region’s people.
He pledged to address the people’s grievances with Prime Minister Sharif, expressing regret over the situation and offering condolences to the families of those affected.
Meanwhile, violent protests on Saturday resulted in damage to multiple vehicles, including a magistrate’s car on the Poonch-Kotli road. Police subsequently launched a crackdown, leading to several arrests in Muzaffarabad.
Additionally, the government suspended mobile phone and internet services in various parts of the region in response to the unrest.
