JAAC calls off AJK protests

MUZAFFARABAD: The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) announced on Tuesday that it would be ending the ongoing protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) against rising inflation, high taxes, and electricity bills following the government’s acceptance of their demands and the announcement of relevant relief measures.

A JAAC representative stated, “The government accepted all the demands of the protesters yesterday,” referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s announcement of a Rs23 billion subsidy package for the people of AJK.

“The shutterdown strike is being called off,” he added, noting the government’s announcement of a Rs1,100/40kg reduction in wheat prices and the provision of electricity at production cost.

However, he mentioned that a state-wide shutterdown would continue until 3pm today to honor those who lost their lives during the protests.

He highlighted the notification of a judicial commission to address the perks and privileges of the ruling elite and stated that all those arrested during the protests would be released and the cases against the demonstrators would be annulled.

JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir expressed gratitude to PM Shehbaz for meeting their long-standing demands for cheaper flour and electricity and the abolition of elite privileges. Mir lamented the suspension of internet services, which had prevented the news of successful negotiations from reaching the protesters.

Read More: AJK Protests: Govt Announces Subsidies Electricity Tariff, Flour Prices

Earlier, the JAAC had declared a “black day” to honor the three individuals who died in clashes with law enforcement, which also saw numerous injuries and the death of a policeman during the four-day protests. Funeral prayers for the deceased were scheduled for 2pm at the University Ground.

The protests had continued into their fourth day on Monday despite the federal and AJK governments announcing they had accepted all the protesters’ demands. On Sunday, PM Shehbaz announced a Rs23 billion subsidy package during a high-level meeting following deadlocked negotiations between the AJK government and the JAAC.

After the meeting, AJK PM Chaudhry Anwarul Haq announced the notification of subsidies for power and food commodities, expressing hope that peace would be restored with the implementation of these measures. In a press conference, the AJK PM clarified that the government had no intention of disrupting the peaceful struggle of the AJK people and would not interfere with such movements in the future.

The notification, which is to be included in the upcoming budget for FY2024-25, immediately reduces flour prices from Rs3,100 to Rs2,000 per 40kg. Electricity prices will be set at Rs3 per unit for 1-100 units, Rs5 per unit for 100-300 units, and Rs6 per unit for usage above 300 units. Commercial electricity rates are fixed at Rs10 per unit for 1-300 units and Rs15 per unit for usage above 300 units.