PoJK’s Muzaffarabad comes to a standstill due to strike amid police action

An expression of discontent emerged in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), where the city was thrown into disarray due to wheel jams and shutter-down strikes. According to Dawn report, the protest was inspired by a call by the People’s Action Committee, which condemned the recent police action.

Reportedly, clashes broke out between law enforcement and protesters in various areas, which continued till late Friday evening. The riotous scenes witnessed stone pelting and intense tear gas shells, increasing tension in the area.

The strike came in the wake of the arrest of several leaders and workers of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee in overnight police raids in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur divisions. As reported by Dawn, this pre-emptive action inspired the committee to garner support for its cause.

Scheduled for May 11, a long march towards Muzaffarabad was announced by the committee last month, with an emphasis on widespread participation from across the state.

At the core of this movement is a deep objection to the unjust taxation imposed on electricity bills. Last year, a similar shutter-down strike was carried out, echoing the demand for fair power pricing in line with the production cost of hydropower in the PoJK.

Despite prior negotiations and a subsequent government notification in February, grievances persisted, culminating in a decision to hold a long march in protest against unfulfilled commitments.

The impact of the strike was seen across Muzaffarabad, with businesses closed, banks closed and roads devoid of traffic and vendors. Facing adverse circumstances, the protesters rallied, reaffirming their unwavering dedication to safeguard their rights.

Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a key figure in the movement who narrowly escaped arrest, emerged as a leading voice, addressing meetings across the city, pledging to persist in the struggle, Dawn reported. Underlined.