MUZAFFARABAD: Despite a government effort to quell unrest in Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) with a substantial Rs23 billion subsidy, violence erupted in Muzaffarabad resulting in three fatalities and six injuries due to clashes with paramilitary Rangers on Monday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and AJK PM Anwarul Haq sanctioned the release of Rs23 billion for AJK, primarily aimed at subsidizing wheat and electricity costs. Under the subsidy, the price of 40kg flour was reduced from Rs3,100 to Rs2,000, and electricity tariffs were adjusted to Rs3, Rs5, and Rs6 per unit for varying consumption levels.
Paramilitary Rangers, deployed to restore order, encountered resistance as they attempted to exit the region following the subsidy announcement. Escorted by a convoy, they faced aggressive protests near Shorran da Nakka village, prompting teargas and firing in response.
Videos verified by Dawn showed Rangers’ vehicles ablaze on the Muzaffarabad-Brarkot road. The situation escalated as clashes persisted, with tear gas and gunfire echoing throughout the neighborhood.
Muzaffarabad’s Divisional Commissioner, Sardar Adnan Khurshid, confirmed three fatalities and six injuries resulting from the clashes. The deceased were identified as Saqib, Waqar, and Azhar, residents of various areas in Muzaffarabad.
Prior to the violence, the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had planned rallies to converge on the state capital. Despite talks’ failure on Sunday, protesters proceeded with their march.
Upon the subsidy announcement, JAAC leaders reserved judgment pending the issuance of official notifications. However, cautious optimism turned to skepticism as the government’s past inaction and irresponsible attitude lingered in protesters’ minds.
Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a prominent JAAC leader, stated that their legal team would scrutinize the government’s notifications. Any discrepancies, he warned, could lead to further action by the committee.
As tensions simmered, demonstrations erupted in various AJK towns, signaling widespread discontent. AJK PM Anwarul Haq, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for the relief package, attributing its swift approval to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s intervention. However, the violence and lingering grievances underscored the challenges ahead in addressing AJK’s socio-political landscape.
