MUZAFFARABAD (Dunya News) – The shutdown strike and protest in Azad Kashmir over high flour and electricity prices entered its fourth day on Monday, as the talks between the AJK government and the Awami Action Committee on Sunday ended in a deadlock.
The Awami Action Committee has affirmed that the indefinite shutdown and wheeljam strike will persist until their demands are met.
The valley has come to a near-standstill as the AAC leads a march on the state capital Muzaffarabad today, prompted by the stalemate on the negotiations, with caravans from several AJK cities heading towards Rawalakot.
Sources say the Kohala–Muzaffarabad Road, stretching 40 kilometres and linking Kohala Town with Muzaffarabad, has been closed at several points by the protesters.
Heavy contingents of police have been posted at sensitive locations and roundabouts, while traffic has thinned out on major roads and arteries.
The AJK government has called in Rangers after clashes between the protesters and police in Mirpur on Saturday resulted in the death of a policeman and injuries to scores of others.
Business and educational activities face complete suspension along with internet and cellular services.
Awami Action Committee leader Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri has accused the government of employing evasive tactics under the guise of negotiations.
He adds that the government refused to accept any other demand, except flour subsidy.
PRESIDENT, PM CONVENE MEETINGS
President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint and resolve the issues through dialogue. Both have called for addressing the genuine demands of the protesters in Azad Kashmir.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is convening a crucial meeting today [Monday] to discuss the situation in AJK.
On Sunday, the premier voiced concern over the clashes between the AJK police and the protesters.
He said he spoke to AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, and also instructed the office-bearers of All-Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz in AJK to talk to the leaders of the Awami Action Committee.
AJK PM OFFERS OLIVE BRANCH
On Sunday, AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq said his government was prepared to alleviate the burden of high flour and electricity prices.
"We are determined to implement the agreement we have reached with the Awami Action Committee,” PM Haq said of the negotiations held with the protesters on Saturday.
Haq said political governments solved problems through dialogue and "we are ready to talk with the Awami Action Committee at any level and the demands related to the government of Pakistan will be raised before the federation."
He also indicated a willingness to adjust the development budget if necessary to alleviate the burden of flour and electricity prices.
The AJK prime minister said the security of the people was his government’s top priority, adding that his government ensured that no force was used against the protesters.
Meanwhile, the funeral for sub-inspector Adnan Qureshi, who was martyred in a clash with protesters in Mirpur, was held on Monday in which hundreds of people participated.