Tensions rise in Azad Kashmir again, two people killed

MUZAFFARABAD: The situation worsened once again in various districts of Azad Kashmir, with intense tension and clashes between the police and the protestors.

As per the reports, the internet service was restored for a few hours in other areas, including Muzaffarabad, but was later shut down.

As a result of the clashes, two people lost their lives and five were injured. In a demonstration of protest, the protesters placed the dead bodies outside the CMH (Combined Military Hospital).

Normal life could not be restored in Azad Kashmir even for the fourth consecutive day. The Azad Kashmir government has issued a notification to reduce the price of flour by Rs 1100 per 40 kg, while the price of 20 kg of flour has been fixed at Rs 1000.

The government has also issued a notification to reduce electricity rates. It was fixed at Rs 3 per unit for domestic consumers up to 100 units, Rs 5 per unit for 100 to 300 units, and Rs 6 per unit for consumers above 300 units. Commercial customers were charged Rs 10 per unit up to 300 units and Rs 15 per unit for consumption above 300 units.

However, despite these measures, the situation did not calm down.

Life returned to normal for a few hours, but suddenly the city erupted into violence once again, and Chhatra Chowk turned into a battlefield. Due to this, internet service was suspended in Muzaffarabad.

Protesters pelted stones at the police outside the assembly, which was retaliated with a lathi charge. Two people lost their lives, while five were injured due to stone-pelting and firing.

The situation then worsened when the protesters set fire to four vehicles, including two ambulances.

The convoy reached Muzaffarabad, where it began to gather at the Eidgah ground, where the Awami Action Committee leader would address the crowd.

Responding to the demands of the Public Action Committee in Jammu and Kashmir, the government issued a notification to reduce the prices of electricity and flour.

Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, while addressing a press conference in Islamabad, said that no one can deny the need for cheap bread and electricity.

Read more: AJK govt accepts protestors demands, reduces electricity, flour prices

He emphasized that the federal government has provided substantial funds to meet the demands of the people of Azad Kashmir, and this relief is not temporary but sustainable.

Earlier, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, called an emergency meeting today, gave a briefing on the situation in Azad Kashmir, and approved the immediate release of 23 billion Pakistani rupees. After the approval, the Azad Kashmir government issued a notification to reduce the prices of electricity and flour.