In a significant development, the Traders Association Muzaffarabad has declared an indefinite complete lockdown and shutter-down strike across Azad Kashmir, effective from midnight tonight. This decision comes as a response to certain grievances and demands put forth by the association, highlighting the urgency and severity of the situation.
The committee announced that people from across the state are expected to participate in a long march towards Muzaffarabad on Saturday, May 11.
The public action committee has been leading a rights movement against what they deem ‘unfair’ taxes on electricity bills, and they conducted a shutter-down strike for this issue in August of the previous year. In December, they reached an agreement with an official reconciliation committee, and a government notification was issued on February 4. Nevertheless, in April, the committee decided to organize the long march on May 11 to protest the government’s “failure to fulfill the written commitments.
The announcement of the lockdown and strike has sent ripples across Azad Kashmir, raising concerns among residents and authorities alike. With businesses expected to cease operations and public movement restricted, the impact of this decision is poised to be deeply felt across various sectors of society.
The Traders Association Muzaffarabad has cited several reasons for initiating this drastic measure. Foremost among them are the economic challenges faced by local businesses, compounded by issues such as including demands for subsidized electricity and flour, changes in taxation policies, increasing inflation, inadequate government support, and the elimination of unnecessary benefits for bureaucrats and politicians.
The decision to enforce a complete lockdown and shutter-down strike underscores the seriousness of the situation as perceived by the traders’ association. It reflects a collective frustration and dissatisfaction with the prevailing economic and administrative conditions, prompting a call for decisive action.
The movement demands that electricity should be provided to consumers as per the production cost of hydel power in AJK.
The implications of this move extend beyond economic concerns, touching upon broader societal issues and the relationship between the business community and the government. It underscores the need for effective dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders to address underlying grievances and work towards sustainable solutions.
As Azad Kashmir prepares to enter a period of uncertainty with the implementation of the lockdown and strike, there is a pressing need for dialogue and reconciliation. Both the traders’ association and the government must engage in constructive communication to find common ground and resolve outstanding issues.
In the meantime, residents of Azad Kashmir are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to any directives issued by local authorities regarding the lockdown and strike. While disruptions to daily life are inevitable, solidarity and cooperation among all stakeholders will be essential in navigating through this challenging period.
Follow Up News
On May 11, 2024, Kashmiris flooded the streets to demand subsidized electricity and flour, as well as other reforms, such as the removal of excessive perks for politicians and bureaucrats. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of Azad Kashmir presented a ten-point charter of demands. Although the movement gained significant momentum on May 11, it had been ongoing since March 2023. Despite multiple rounds of negotiations between the Kashmir government and the Awami Joint Action Committee, the government’s assurances proved to be empty promises.
On May 11, in response to the JAAC’s call, millions took to the streets demanding accountability for the elites and the provision of subsidized essentials. Despite facing heavy-handed responses from law enforcement, the protestors remained resolute and continued their march towards the capital city, Muzaffarabad.
On Friday, a severe shutter-down and wheel-jam strike occurred in the state capital, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, organized by a people’s action committee to protest a police crackdown. The capital, Muzaffarabad, saw clashes between police and protesters in various neighborhoods, which involved stone-throwing and intense teargas shelling.
The strike was called by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee following overnight raids that led to the arrest of several leaders and activists in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur divisions. All businesses, including banks, were closed, and traffic was disrupted in the three districts of Muzaffarabad division.
In many parts of the state capital, confrontations erupted between police and demonstrators, initiated by the latter’s stone-throwing, leading to retaliatory teargas shelling that affected homes and mosques. Demonstrations continued across the city, with protestors pledging to persist in their struggle for their rights.
Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a leading figure in the movement who avoided arrest on Thursday, addressed numerous gatherings in Muzaffarabad.
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