In the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Muzaffarabad, a crippling strike and protests on Friday led to violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The strike, organized by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), was called in response to a police crackdown on its members and activists. According to the Dawn newspaper, protesters pelted stones at police, who responded with teargas shelling. The strike caused widespread disruption, with businesses and banks remaining closed and traffic and vendors absent from the roads. The JKJAAC has been actively protesting against high electricity bills, demanding that electricity be provided at the production cost of hydropower in the state. Last December, the committee reached an understanding with an official reconciliation committee, and the government issued a notification on February 4th. However, in April, the committee announced a long march on May 11th due to the government’s failure to fulfill its commitments. The Chief Secretary of PoK has written to the Secretary of the Interior Division in Islamabad, requesting six civil armed forces (CAF) platoons for security due to the May 11th strike. Section 144 has been imposed across PoK, and educational institutions have been closed on May 10th and 11th in anticipation of the strike. Despite these measures, thousands of people came out to protest in various districts of PoK.
Clashes Erupt in Muzaffarabad, PoK, as Protests Escalate Against Police Crackdown
