A crippling strike and protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s (PoK) capital Muzaffarabad turned violent on Friday as demonstrators clashed with security forces. The strike, called by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), was sparked by a police crackdown on its members and activists. Protesters pelted stones at police, who responded with teargas shelling. Businesses remained closed, and normal life was disrupted in several districts. The JKJAAC has been protesting against high electricity bills, demanding that electricity be provided at the production cost of hydropower in the state.